In 1938, Edward is 62 years old, Kate is 59 years old and Alys is 54 years old. Eva is 29 years old and Philip is 25 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is born (Eva and Teddy’s son).
There is a Jewel which no Indian mines
Can buy, no chymic art can counterfeit.
It makes men rich in greatest poverty,
Makes water wind, turns, wooden cups gold;
The homely whistle to sweet music strain
Seldom it comes, to few from Heaven sent;
that much in little, all in nought: CONTENT
Name:
Katharine F. Boyd
Private Address:
4 Cambridge Gate, N.W.18
Telephone:
Wel 4071
Richmond
Saturday 1st January 1938
Cold. Dull.
Zeus had worm capsules. Blain changed oil in my car. Hunt Meet at West Layton. Phil out. Alys out too, in my car and then Phil with her and met hunt and hounds, near Collier Lane. I out with dogs, to fetch paper (none). Dennis in bed all day with bad cold – 100 degrees temperature. We in top room and started red engine going. Alys and I made cotton curtains for Phil’s room (on Eva’s machine). We 3 played Monopoly in Phil’s bedroom.
Sunday 2nd January 1938
Dull. Cold. Quiet.
Dennis still in bed all day; better. Out with Phil to choose sites for tit nest-boxes and to beehives (his longest walk). I to Richmond for Sunday Express. Alys wrote Eva and Alys and I to Scotch Corner to post (as no post from Wycliffe). After tea, we packed engine and Phil ran old engine. After dinner, Monopoly in Phil’s bedroom.
Monday 3rd January 1938
Damp. Dull.
Letter from Ea for Alys. Re-hung peanuts. Alys and I to Richmond. Dennis in bed, still feeling rotten. Phil wrote Eva. Man and his daughter on horses came in, hunting with Zetland (but usually Bedale). To phone. Gave them tea (on horseback). In top room. Played Monopoly in evening in Phil’s bedroom.
Tuesday 4th January 1938
Dull. Damp.
Letter from Eva again to Alys. Alys phoned Miss Smith and said Dennis not well enough to go, till Sunday. Dennis in bed all day. I to Richmond. Drove with Zeus to East Layton and also fetched dogs down. Alys in top room with Phil. I did oats. Monopoly in Phil’s bedroom. Phil visited Dorothy Cooper in evening.
Wednesday 5th January 1938
Perfect day.
Out to open beehives. Alys and I to Darlington in Phil’s car. Drove him up to garage in mine. Miss Kipling away. Got sugar for bees, vests and nightgowns (Alys) at Binns. Wrote Doz after lunch. Alys to see Smith’s child (fits). Wireless to Dennis’ room. Phil only in his sitting-room (not top room). Monopoly in evening in Phil’s bedroom.
Thursday 6th January 1938
Perfect. Sunny.
Dennis moved in bed in bay window in sunshine. In bed all day there. I took dogs across field by kitchen garden. Took 3 snapshots of Phil and dogs. Phil to hives and Zeus had fear fit(?) In p.m. ALys and I took Ozzy to Darlington for worm treatment. Left him. Back to tea. In top room and ran black engine and green engine; together. Phil to see Dorothy Cooper. I also later. After dinner, did Times Christmas questions with Dennis and Phil in beds and door open between.
Friday 7th January 1938
Rain, then better.
Letter from Eva from her new flat in Cairo. I took Mrs Cooper to Richmond in a.m. Alys and I to Darlington; fetched Ozzy and shopped. Back to tea. I in to see Dorothy Cooper. Dennis down to dinner. Jokes. Played Monopoly in evening. Dennis in bed reading.
Saturday 8th January 1938
Perfect day.
Put up my nesting box with Phil’s help. Took oranges to Smith’s in Ravensworth, and back by Gagle and got petrol, near Greta. Dennis up to lunch. Alys and I drove to Boro’bridge to get Mollie Hadow’s blankets. 32 miles in all. Hodgin (in Hardy’s old house) called on Dennis. 2 engines run after tea. I not in, as measuring suitcase for Lincoln Zephyr and packing. Monopoly, we 3. I won! Dennis in bed reading.
Memo
7th Took film to be developed and printed and paid for it.
Postponed till 4th for Dennis’ cold.
9th 3.5 Darlington arrive King’s Cross 7.45.
Olive and me?
London
Sunday 9th January 1938
Fine (after bad early a.m.)
Dennis down to breakfast. Phil threaded peanuts. At 10.30, Dennis, Alys and Phil and Kimbo off in Lincoln Zephyr. I packed and tidied and out with dogs. Showed Cyril Cooper the nests. Ozzy kissed Zeus. Blain drove Olive and me to Darlington in Armstrong; and by 3.5 train to King’s Cross. Tea 2/4. Puppy in vogue coat. Sandwich supper. King’s Cross 7.50. (Golden Shuttle). Taxi 3/-. 5 suitcases. Phil in bed. Dennis to bed 9. Did “Are you Sure?” in Phil’s room.
Monday 10th January 1938
Very cold. Drizzle. Dark.
Phil negative. With Alys in car to fetch silver from Bank. Took Kimbo out. Phil down to lunch. Alys and I to Marshall’s and Dean & Dawson. Tea in Phil’s room. I did dressing-gown, and had hayfever? Phil down to rest and dinner. Dennis in, exhausted, better after meal. Read K. H. letter in Phil’s room.
Tuesday 11th January 1938
Grey.
Stuffy, wakeful night. Stayed in bed – slept and read. “The Door in the Wall” Meynell. Kit to tea with Alys and Phil. James Campbell to dine. Dennis to Freer’s. Very worried about cold infection for Alys and Phil.
Wednesday 12th January 1938
Mild. Grey.
In bed all day. Crosswords. Phil to Dr Chandler. Slept in p.m. 101 at 4.15. (took it for 1st time). Read, and did a lot of Times crossword. Read R.v.R. and Eric Porter’s “Country Years”. Sent down by Phil. George Buchanan in evening for Phil.
Thursday 13th January 1938
Mild. Dull.
Read. Alys brought in “Dear Youth” by Barbara Wilson (about German Governess) Temp 99 at 4. Crossword (difficult). In bed all day. Phil’s Sedimentation Rate very good.
Friday 14th January 1938
Windy. Very cool.
Alys out to have hair done. Read and finished crossword except 2 words. Knitted a little. Wrote Eva and Doz. In bed all day. Alys to Dean & Dawson. Paul Davis to dine. I had hot bath.
Saturday 15th January 1938
Gale.
Phil negative. Had breakfast in dining-room in dressing gown. Got up later on, but meals alone in drawing-room, as Phil down to them. Hermione Collard to tea (in Alys’ room, all of them). Dennis read; I in dining-room with Alys, 20 minutes or so. Read in evening, alone. Others Monopoly. Felt sad.
Memo:
9th Tipped Blain 10/-, Doris 3/-
12th Phil to Dr Chandler
9th Paid 1.1.0 to Alys for my ½ of ticket
10th Poz and Doz to Wharncliffe Hotel, Boscombe
15th I, Alys and Phil to Montana.
12th Mr Shearn died.
11th Cecil Buchanan died.
Sunday January 16th 1938
Gale and rain.
Breakfast with Alys and Dennis 8.15. Dressed. I in taxi at 10.10 to Victoria in Lincoln Zephyr. Alys and Phil off by 11 train for Dover-Paris. Dennis to Bulstrode. I home. Took Kimbo out at 2.30. Dennis to Freer’s doctor, and Freer’s, only back 7. Read. To bed 9.20. (Alys and Phil slept Paris).
Monday 17th January 1938
Perfect day.
Out in Austin round park and then to McBean’s. Posted letter to Alys. Got dog-licence, to Times Library, and Boot’s for Dennis. Took Kimbo in park. Kitty to lunch and till 2.40. Sat and read. Put car away at 3. Dennis in at 8.30. Sewed dressing-gown. Read. Alys and Phil slept Lausanne.
Tuesday 18th January 1938
Dull. Mild.
Out in car to Curnick’s; to Woolworth’s. Then out to Kitty’s; on to Golders Greet. Saw Nell Moir – in her house and to wood with Kimbo. Back. In p.m. lay on sofa, with hot bottle. Sewed Dennis’ dressing-gown after tea. Dennis in early and out at 830 to Freer consultation. Back 12.
Wednesday 19th January 1938
Fine.
Lausanne card from Phil to Dennis. Breakfast with Dennis. Went back to bed and I stayed there till 5.30. Did crossword, except one word! Took temperature in p.m, always 99.2. Letter card to Alys in am. Got up at 7.30. Dennis in then about 8. Florence out. News on wireless and K-H letter. Dennis wrote Alys. To bedroom.
Thursday 20th January 1938
Dull.
Up to breakfast with Dennis. Letter from Mrs Cooper about Zeus – 2 more fits. To bed again after. Did crossword. Kitty came at 11.35 or so. Olive out in p.m. Took Kittys’ temperature in p.m. 99.4 Knitted jersey. Got up at 8.30. Dennis in at 8.15. He read Wodehouse aloud. To bed 10.20 or so.
Friday 21st January 1938
Fine.
Telegram from Berry about getting another Nannie! Back to bed after breakfast. Wrote Alys. Kit came in, and talked about Nurses. Send Ad; to Times to Wellgarth Place. She back here at 4. (I 99.4 still). Wrote Nurse Norman. Up at 8.30 and dinner with Dennis and listened to News. Dennis had letter from Phil.
Saturday 22nd January 1938
Dull. Mild.
Breakfast with Dennis. Back to bed. Kit phoned. Florence to High Street. Gwen phoned. Austrian nurse called. I wrote Phil and Sissie. In p.m only 99. Slept a little. Kitty came and had tea, in my bedroom. Dennis at 5.10 tea also, with us. Kitty took him up to dinner with them. George fetched and brought back in car. I go 4 letters from nurse. Stayed in bed.
Memo:
18th Alys and Phil arrive in Montana
21st Olives wages 1.14.0 – two weeks – tipped her 3/- as from Layton.
25th Dolly Willis to dine 7.45
Sunday 23rd January 1938
Fine a.m. Cold wind.
Dennis wrote Alys and took Kimbo walk in Park. I 98.8. Kitty came and phoned to 2 nurses, made appointments. I had dinner with Dennis. To bed after, and he slept on his bed. He out after tea to Bulstrode – Clinic and Lab. Only back 8. To supper. Listened and read a Wodehouse (poor) aloud.
Monday 24th January 1938
Sunny, lovely, windy.
Letter from Alys to us both. Breakfast with Dennis. Got up, dressed, after. Nurses – Louise Thompson came and then Margaret Bush. Kit here also and she to see Margaret Bush’s employer. Rested on bed. Normal! Wrote Alys. Dennis in 8.15. News. Dennis wrote Alys. He read Wodehouse aloud.
Tuesday 25th January 1938
Wind. Rain then lovely sun.
Jim Archer phoned. Men came about lift. Washed Kim’s behind. A nurse called and I interviewed her. Wrote to nurses. Phoned Cook’s. Lunch in drawing-room. Kit came 3 and took me out to Heath in car. Wrote Eva. Dennis phoned sending Teddy £25. Dolly Willis to dinner. Dennis in at 8.20. I to bed after dinner 9.15 to leave them.
Wednesday 26th January 1938
Fine, then rain.
Margaret Bush came at 11, bringing passport. I wrote Alys and out to Albany Street to post Phil’s Tyrolean hat, and park with Kim. Lunch. Florence to bed, instead of out. Phone Cook’s and shipping Companies. P & O and Union Castle. Dennis in late, excited about Bartholomew and diabetics. We went N.L.T. to Berry’s. Dennis wrote long letter to Alys and Phil. I had letter from Phil.
Thursday 27th January 1938
Fine day.
Olive told me bad news of Zeus and Ozzy having to be separated. Layton eggs came. I out in Austin. Took Kimbo in Park and to High Street. Changed Alys’ cheque for 15th. Put car away 11.15. In. Sewed soles on bedroom shoes. Slept in p.m. Wrote Eva and Mrs Cooper. Dennis out to Heanley’s dine and evening. Sewed and read and listened-in.
Friday 28th January 1938
Mild. Dull.
Out in car. To Park with Kimbo, and on to my Bank; and paid gas bill and to High Street to Times Book Club “Lemuria” book. Rested after lunch. Wrote Phil, Aunt Bella. Dennis back late 8.15. Read R.H. Letter. I had letter from Alys saying Phil negative.
Saturday 29th January 1938
Gale. Colder. Sunny.
N.L.T. from Berry, about passage February 12th. Wrote Bush. In car to Handy. First time I’d drive across Oxford Street in car. Paid his bill. Walked to Cook’s. Booked passage Anchor Line. Britannia 12th February for Bush. Back. To Selfridge’s, left my watch. Olive with me to King’s Cross at 2.15 taking egg-boxes. Read “People in Cages” Ashton. Dennis all day at Clinical Pathologists Association. Meetings at St George’s Hospital. In at 8.15. Olive out, instead of Thursday.
Memo:
26th 11 a.m. Bush calling
29th Poison Pen?
Sunday 30th January 1938
Cold. Windy. Grey.
Wrote Mrs Cooper and sent her Embarkation paper to fill in and sign. Wrote Bush. Out in park with Dennis and Kimbo. Very cold wind. Rested in p.m. (Dennis in bed. Tea. Dolly Willis came to talk to Dennis. Out at 5.45 with Dennis in car to post letters; to Lab. He wrote cheque 16.18.5 for Cook’s (Bush’s passage to Cairo). To Bulstrode. Back at 7. Supper. News and “Are You Sure?” To bed 9.45.
Monday 31st January 1938
Mild. Grey.
Out in car to Park with Kimbo; to 48 Cambridge Terrace to get velvet .To Bell and Croydon for Dennis’ things. Lunch. Rest. To Park, and took car back. Made bolster for Dennis’ room – black velvet. Ironed it, and jersey. Phoned Kitty (a.m.) I wrote Alys. Dennis wrote Eva and Teddy. Letter from Phil to Dennis with photos.
Tuesday 1st February 1938
Dull. Cool.
To High Street in car (Kimbo too, and in Park) to Cook’s, drove back by Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. Men about lift. Drawing-room Spring cleaned. To lunch with Kit. Sewed curtain there. Back to Sainsbury’s. Tea. Sewed Dennis’ dressing-gown bindings. He in at 8.10. He wrote Alys. I had letter from Alys. Sent Visa paper to Bush.
Wednesday 2nd February 1938
Mild. Dull.
Took Kimbo in Park, on to 48 Cambridge Terrace (after taking Kimbo to High Street and bcak to 4 Cambridge Gate). Through Hyde Park to Chelsea. Lunch with Poz and Doz. To Bentinck Street and to Woolworth’s. Back to tea. Wrote Ella and Miss Anne Binswanger and Eva. Dennis in 8.5. Read, listened-in and knitted. Dennis read “Newts”.
Thursday 3rd February 1938
Very mild. Dull.
In car with Kimbo to Park, then High Street and on to 8 Cambridge Terrace, got scarf. To Egyptian Consulate, 26 South Street. Got M. Bush’s passport visa’d. Back. Wrote Alys. Sent cheque back. To Old Vic 1.35. Got only 4/6 (no 2/6 left). Seat. Midsummer Night’s Dream. Queen and little Princesses there in a box. Dennis in 8.15 He had letter from Phil. Listened-in “1d black stamps”
Friday 4th February 1938
Mild. Fineish.
Breakfast 8.15 (fires out for furnace, so last hot bath). Out with Kimbo in Park. On to High Street. To Selfridge’s. Got sprats. Home. In p.m. slept on sofa, felt coldy. Tea. Put car in. Dennis in at 7.30 to change and out to dine and dance at Hales’. In at 3 a.m. I earlyish to bed 9.30.
Saturday 5th February 1938
Fine. Very mild.
No hot water, cistern out. With Dennis to Barclay’s Bank, and got out some of Eva’s silver and plate. Back with it and re-packed it. In Austin with Kimbo in Park, and to High Street. Back. After lunch, in car to Embassy 2.30. “Poison Pen”. M. Yarde. Good. Home. Took Kimbo out. Dennis in and slept. At 6.30 we drove to Sandy Lodge to dine with the Brownlees. Lost ourselves near Northwood and 30 or 40 minutes late. Chimney on fire. Back at 11.25. Letter from Alys to Dennis – Phil Negative. Florence and Olive to Odeon Hurricane 7.15. I gave them 7/-.
Memo:
7th Lunch with Kit
Embassy – Poison Pen till 5
Dine Brownlees 5th
Caves 6th
Sunday 6th February 1938
Yellow fog. Clear outside London. No sun.
Sore throat. Olive to Petticoat Lane. Dennis to Bulstrode and Lab. I took Kimbo in Park. Wrote to Lays and Eva and M. Bush (with labels). After lunch at 3.10, Dennis, Kimbo and I to Cave’s. Molly and Pat there. Willie in Amsterdam. Bill and Nancy and Wendy (Hadow’s puppy). Tea and supper. Home at 10.45.
Monday 7th February 1938
Cold. Dull.
To Park with Kimbo. On to High Street. On to Handy’s and Cook’s. To cobbler for shoes. Along Edgware Road to 26 Compayne. Returned sheet. Home. Lunch. On to Tally-ho Corner to Doris Freer’s. She out. Called on Lois (out) on way back. Tea. Read. Dennis in at 8.25. Letters from Teddy and Eva to Dennis and me. Dennis wrote Phil. Sent Berry ones on to Alys.
Tuesday 8th February 1938
Cold, raw.
Felt slack and rotten all day. To High Street and Park with Kimbo. Back. Out, tube to Waterloo and took stool. Old Vic 6d. Back. Lunch. Rested. Slept till tea. At 6 to Old Vic, Side Circle. Othello 1st night. Hot. Ralph Richardson – Curigwen Lewis. Dennis to Old Students dinner U.C.H. I back at 12.30.
Wednesday 9th February 1938
Finer.
To Park and High Street. On to 27 Cresswell Place – SW10. K-H. Paid 10/- for another year. Back, let Kimbo out in Hyde Park. Back via Marble Arch. After lunch, out to Boot’s and Times, for books for Dennis. Back and rested. Tea. Florence out. Read notices of Othello. Dennis in 8.20. He wrote Alys and read K-H letter of last week. Did up frock for Huntley.
Thursday 10th February 1938
Fine. Heavy shower. Cold.
In car with Kimbo to Park. On, via High Street and Park Lane to Army & Navy. Sent K-H letter to Phil. Bought blouse; to sign petition – performing animals. Back via Kensington Gardens. Let Kim out. Lunch, Kit came (phoned 12.50 so suggested). In p.m. to Primrose Hill with Kimbo. At 6, M. Bush came. Dennis came back to see her; away to Bulstrode. Back to dinner 8.25. I wrote Eva and Alys. Dennis had letter from Phil.
Friday 11th February 1938
Very cold wind.
Out in Park with Kimbo. To High Street and then Edgware Road. Woolworth’s and M&S for fruit. Back, lunch. Out to meet Susie at Rheumatism Red Cross. On to Lilian for hair 3.30. Back at 5.40. Tea. Nancy Cave dressed for evening here. Dennis in at 8. Letter from Phil to Dennis. Listened-in, Rumours of German upsets all denied. To bed early. Both sleepy.
Saturday 12th February 1938
Fine. Very cold.
Dennis and I to Euston to see Nurse M. Bush off – 10.40 to Cairo. Took Eva’s silver and to High Street. Walked back with Kimbo. Lunch 12. Took Olive to King’s Cross for 1.20 to Darlington. Back. Dennis had lunch 4 Cambridge Gate 12.30 and we to Stoll 1.20 Sonia Henie in “Lovely to Look At”. Back 4.30. Tea. Dennis to Bulstrode. I in Park with Kimbo. Dennis back at 7.30. Letter from Alys to Dennis and photocard for me. Poz rang up 9.20 that Doz very ill – 104 and rash.
Memo:
10 Gave Miss Bush £2 for tips
11th Lilian
12th Olive away 1.20.
10th M. Bush at 6 – here
12th Nurse Margaret Bush sails 10.40 Euston
Sunday 13th February 1938
Very cold. Snow. Wind. Showers.
Out with Dennis in Lincoln Zephyr and took Kimbo a very short walk in Park – very, very cold wind. To Lyons’ .Got ham. Took to 6 Elm Park Road. Talked to Poz. Doz still very bad. 2 nurses. Back. Rested in p.m. Tea (I got it, Florence out). Dennis to Bulstrode. He called for me 7.30. Piccadilly. Oysters and Russian stout, then Chinese Restaurant. Home 9.30. Wrote Alys and sent bills. Dennis wrote Alys too.
Monday 14th February 1938
Very cold wind. Some sun.
Started in car but clutch slipping, so back (after Park with Kimbo). Tube and bus to 6 Elm Park Road. Wrote postcards, putting off pipe orchestra. Out to lunch in shop. Dennis 3 to take Doz’s blood. Doz 104.6 a.m. More cards in p.m. Poz tiny rest. Tea, with Nurse (New Zealand). Back at 6.10. Dennis in 8. Poz phoned. Dr Gow consultation; measles suggested.
Tuesday 15th February 1938
Very cold. Sleet.
Took Kimbo out. Then tubes to Chelsea. Conrad and wife there. Coley in. Out to buy green baize (viol). 7.5 (7.10 altogether). Back to lunch. Rest. To Chappell’s (bus) and Deimel and Woolworth’s with Kimbo. Walked back. Horribly cold drizzle. Tea. Read papers and arranged Nurse letters. Dennis in 8.10. He wrote Alys about car.
Wednesday 16th February 1938
Damp. Dull.
Doz temp 97. Took Kimbo in Park. Then made bed and then to Albert Hall Meeting. I seconded a motion! Back by 12. Wrote Alys. Lunch. Florence out. I walked to Woolworth’s, Oxford Street and Times Book Club and back with Kimbo. Got own tea and put oxtail in oven (Nelly Moir in Poz) Dennis in at 8.30 (Oswald Mosely had kept him). 2 cards with photos from Alys. Cleared cloth and washed up.
Thursday 17th February 1938
Cold, snowy, sleet.
Out in car, as clutch had been fixed) with Kimbo in Park. Back with Kimbo and made bed. Over to 6 Elm Park Road in car. Brake weak, sleeting, skiddy! Made baize cover for bass-viol. Back to lunch 1.35 via Selfridge’s for red mullet, sausages, my watch. 15/6 apron for Poz’s Gwen. Lunch. By tubes to Chelsea 2.30. Read Rimbaud. Poz rested. Back at 4.40 by tube. Tea. Took Kimbo out. Dennis not in till 8.35. K-H letter. I wrote Alys.
Friday 18th February 1938
Lovely sun, all day.
Took Kimbo to Park in car. Took him back. Made bed. Over in car to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Got things – foolscap. To Chelsea, helped Poz to do up other viol and stands. Saw Doz and talked for 20 minutes. Back to lunch. Back to Chelsea. Poz rested 2.30 – 4. I back to tea via Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner. Dennis in by 8. Dennis had letter from Alys.
Saturday 19th February 1938
Fine. Cold.
Bought ring for Kimbo’s birthday. To shops. Nelly Moir to Chelsea, so I not. Took Kimbo in Park. Dennis back at 1.45 and we to Albert Hall to see Historical Costume Gounod’s Faust. Back to tea at 6. Read and listened-in, and letters from Alys Phil – positive. M. Cox rang up.
Memo:
16th 11.15 Albert Hall
Kimbo’s birthday 19th
Sunday 20th February 1938
Dull. Cold.
We took Kimbo long walk in Park. Then Dennis to dine with Silverston. I in Austin at 1.45 to 3 Swan Walk and on to 6 Elm Park Road, while Poz rested. Back at 4.20. Dennis came and we to Bath Club tea with Douglas Cox’s. On to New Odeon to see “Hurricane”, Leicester Square. (Lex Garage, Lexington Street). Supper 8.30 House of Hamburger. Prawn salad. Home 10.30 after taking them back.
Monday 21st February 1938
Dull, cold.
Took Kimbo in Park. Eden resigned. To High Street and Selfridge’s. Wrote ALys and posted before 10. Lunch and then to Chelsea in car. Coffee with Poz and Nurse. Sat with Doz about 25 minutes. Read, while Poz rested, “Screened” by Faith Wolseley. Back to tea 4.45. Dennis in 8.15. Phoned Kit, who in bed. Dennis out 9.15 for diphtheria case. He wrote Alys at 10.30 p.m.
Tuesday 22nd February 1938
Dull. Cold.
Breakfast 8 and down with Dennis to see Ford 8 Mostyn had. Posted letter 10 a.m. Took Kimbo in Park, then to Selfridge’s. Paid Alys’ bills. Back. Made bed. Changed. In car to Compayne (bought coffee-jug – Alexander’s). Lunch-party. 2 others. At 4 to Freer’s – saw Cecil. Then to Driver’s about dogs. Back to tea. Dennis very late, and discouraged about Dr Miller and diabetes cases.
Wednesday 23rd February 1938
Cold. Fine.
I in Park in Ford 8, with chauffeur, trial run. Then in Austin with Kimbo and to shops. French shop for food. Lunch. Out after lunch with Kimbo. Left car Duchess Street. Walked to Stagg & Russell’s. Tried on frocks. Walked back to car. Got tea (Florence out). Washed nightgown and shawl. Dennis in at 8.10. Cold supper. Dennis wrote Phil. I posted it 10.30/11 p.m. post. Arrived Friday morning.
Thursday 24th February 1938
Fine. Cold.
Wrote Phil, with K-H letter. Posted 10.20 a.m. Arrived Saturday a.m!!!(Bush arrives Cairo). Took Kimbo in Park then over to Chelsea at 11.15. Sat with Doz for a time. Back to lunch. Out again to 6 Elm Park Road 2.20 – 4. Through Trafalgar Square to Soho. Took queue stool at Queen’s Theatre. Back to tea. Sent Luminol pills to Layton. Early dinner. To see Three Sisters. Queen’s pit. Gielgud. Dennis had Heanley’s friend to Lab and went to dine at Heanley’s.
Friday 25th February 1938
Fog, then lovely. Warmer.
I out in Ford 8 with Mostyn for lesson or hints. In Austin first to shops and Park with Kimbo. To Glanville Place. Drove about alone. After lunch (Poz put me off going), drove to 48 in Ford. Sewed and ironed hems of green dyed dress (Eva’s) and red tweed. Dennis back 8.30, very tired. Letter from Phil and Dennis wrote to him. I hemmed hems.
Saturday 26th February 1938
Perfect in morning. Mild.
Out in Ford to Park and High Street. Posted Dennis’ letter 11.00 a.m. High Stree.t To Woolworth’s, Times and Chappell’s (Menuhin). After lunch, took eggboxes to King’s Cross. Sewed green dyed frock. Dennis at 3.45 came (bringing finished Paper on diabetes, blood pressure) and we out to Freer’s taking 1 dozen eggs (Layton). Tea in Cecil’s room. Talk of Stenson-Cook. Back via Totteridge and Mill Hill. Letter from Alys in evening. Phil positive. Dennis found Horace Evans was Secretary of Royal Society of Medecine and arranging for Paper to be read in May.
Memo:
22nd 1 o’clock 26 Compayne
25th Luminol began in p.m.
21st Wrote Alys 10.30 a.m.
20th Phil from Bath Club.
21st Wrote Ella.
Sunday 27th February 1938
Fine a.m. Rain later. Cold.
Dennis and I took Kimbo in Kensington Gardens to Round Pond. On to 6 Elm Park Road. Dennis up to see Doz. Back and he to Bulstrode. I walked back with Kimbo. Rests in p.m. I got tea. Then car to Lab and parked it. To New Gallery, but Snow White full. Taxi to Classic (full). Taxi to Leicester Square and saw “You’re a Sweetheart” (Roly-man Lindbergh). Chinese Restaurant supper.
Monday 28th February 1938
Fine.
Florence gave notice. Out in car to Park and then Kitty’s. She in bed still. Primrose Hill on way home. Lunch. To Chelsea at 3. Took Doz anemones 2/-. Tea there. Saw Doz 20 minutes. Nice Scots Nurse Strachan. Back at 5.25. Florence out with Kimbo. Sewed green dress. Dennis in 8.25. I had letter from Alys.
Tuesday 1st March 1938
Perfect all day.
Out in Park with Kimbo and to High Street and Selfridge’s – cushion 1.4 for Kimbo, ordered new velvet. Lunch. Drove to Golders Green. Called on Lois 3.15. Both on heath with Kimbo for 30 minutes. I drove Lois to Belsize Square; back to tea. Dennis in 7.30. Letter from Alys to him. He wrote her about Mrs Barton. Posted a.m. 10.30.
Wednesday 2nd March 1938
Fine. Mild.
Dennis phoned about going to Harbour Heights. To Park and then to High Street and on to 48 Cambridge Terrace by 11. Mrs Harvey there, and cleaned sitting- room and kitchen. Gave her 5/- for that and washing 1/6 ½. Back. After lunch to Chelsea. Tea and with Doz after, for 25 minutes. Took Kimbo as Florence out. Oxtail for dinner. I had letter from Phil with snapshots. Dennis wrote to him.
Thursday 3rd March 1938
Very fine. Mild.
Sent K-H letter. Posted Dennis’ letter 10. With Dennis to the Freer’s and he got blood for count and tests – Cecil’s. I in garden with Peggy and Kimbo and Snoots. Back 11.10. In Ford oto High Street and Park. After lunch to Chelsea. Tea and with Doz after for 30 or 40 minutes. Brake made noise and jerked so slowly back by 6. Dennis in at 7.20. Letter from Alys to him.
Poole
Friday 4th March 1938
Fine.
Sent M. Railway News. With Dennis to High Street as Mostyn doing brakes. On to Woolworth’s and Lewis’. Walked to Park. Sat. Back. Packed. Sewed. Lunch. Drove to Chelsea. Mrs Olsson at 3.30 so I back and tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. Wrote Alys. Dennis back at 6.30. Bad cold. But we went off to Canford Cliffs. Sandwiches en route at 8. Arrived Harbour Heights 10.35. Some fog on way.
Saturday 5th March 1938
Sea fret.
Misty. No view. Breakfast with Kitty (who had arrived 3rd). Out in car to Corfe (sunny) and Swanage and Studland. Ferry not working. After lunch, rested (1 hour on sun in balcony). Kath arrived from Salisbury. Tea. In car to Bournemouth. Bought oranges. Dennis’ cold still heavy. Dinner. Kath read Turnbull’s quarterly. To bed 9.30. Bath.
Memo:
26th Florence gave notice, will leave April 14th
27th Posted letters to Alys at Welbeck Street
2nd 48 Mrs Harvey about 11.
Roly-Lindbergh hero-Murphy?
Sunday 6th March 1938
Perfect day.
All 4 in Lincoln-Zephyr to Corfe, Swanage, Studland and then left car and walked to the Agglestone. Sat in sun. Back 1.30. Rests. Tea. Walked Flaghead Chine, along sands and back by Harbour side (from shops at Sandbanks carpark). Dinner. Dennis to bed at 9. Still coldy. We at 9.30.
London
Monday 7th March 1938
Fine. Midday fog.
Kath and Kit breakfast 8 and Kath off by bus from Square to Salisbury. Kit came back in Morris 8. Dennis and I off at 9.35. Arrived Cambridge Gate 1 o’clock. Dennis to Lab. I lunch (letter from Eva about Bush). To Chelsea in Ford 8. Tea with Poz. Saw Doz after. Trouble with no petrol; filled up Marylebone Road. Back at 6. Dennis in 8, but out again to Bulstrode. Letter (cheerful) from Phil to Dennis. Dennis heard from Dr Roche.
Tuesday 8th March 1938
64 degrees. Fine.
Out with Kimbo to Park and on to High Street and Selfridge’s, walked and bus 30 back. Wrote Alys lettercard 10.30. In p.m. to Burlington House – 17th Century artists show. Bus 59 back by 4.30. After tea, took Kimbo in Park. Did some washing. Dennis in at 8.5. He wrote to Alys.
Wednesday 9th March 1938
Fine, mild.
To Park and High Street. Back and sewed. Then to Lab for coffee (2 p.m.) to meet Mrs Barton (from Montana). To Lois and walk with her and Kimbo. Tea with Lois. Home. Pigeon and steak casserole in oven. Florence out. Dennis in 7.35. He wrote to Eva and Alys (with lift estimates). I wrote Alys about Florence leaving.
Hitler takes Austria
Thursday 10th March 1938
Fine. Very mild.
Letter from Eva to Dennis (birthday) with snap of J.F.B. To High Street, Park and to Elsa’s. She out. Back by Finchley Road. After lunch (at 3.30) to Chelsea. Tea with Poz. Up with Doz after. Drove back by Marble Arch, at 5.50. Dennis in 7.20. 2 letters from Alys about her interview with Dr Roche. Sad. Phil may stay at Montana Hospital alone.
Friday 11th March 1938
Very warm. Fine.
To Park and then to 48 Cambridge Terrace, to fetch clothes, straw hats and take snowboots back. Wrote Alys. After lunch to Evans’, Chappells’, Selfridge’s, Caviare ¼ lb 9/6. Left car Bentinck Street. Took Kimbo. Back to tea. Sewed. Wrote Aunt Bella. Bought waterproof at Wests for Amy Steel £2.5.0. Germans into Austria. Plebiscite forbidden. Schuschnigg forced out.
Saturday 12th March 1938
Fine. Milder.
Out to High Street and Park with Kimbo. Then back and sewed black frock (Eva’s wedding). Tried on. Dennis back about 3.20 and took me and Kimbo to Heath. Walked by Leg o’Mutton and on to path, Arkley, Borehamwood. Met Mrs E.V.M. and Mary! Tea 5.15. News. Dennis drove Ford round Park and got evening paper. Listened-in and read. Hitler in Austria. Dennis letter from Phil, I from Alys.
Memo:
¼ lb caviare 9/6 for Dennis’ birthday.
11th Wrote Alys 10.30
13th Supper – Ayrtons
10th To Chelsea 12. 11.45 Lilian’s.
9th Mrs Barton to Lab
9th .50 might be taken (Luminol).
Wrote Aunt Bella 11th
8th Sent Luminol (.50 for 13 days – 2 dogs.)
Amy’s waterproof £2.2.0 post 3/-
Sunday 13th March 1938
Dull. Cool.
Dennis and I in Lincoln-Zephyr to Kensington Gardens. Walked with Kimbo by Serpentine. To F.B.’s (Doz and Poz). Doz in drawing-room. Major Lafone called. Dennis rested. I sewed. Wrote Polly Reid about Charlotte’s death. Wrote Amy Steel and Dr Warren B.Davis. After tea, took Kimbo out. Dennis to Bulstrode House. At 6.45 we to Ayrton’s to supper. Alan there. Adrian after. Tony out. Looked at Max’s sketches.
Monday 14th March 1938
Perfect.
To Park with Kimbo and to High Street. Wrote Alys 10.30. After lunch, got out patterns. Took Kimbo out again. Tea at 4. To R.B.A.A.C. 5. Lois there. Composition Class. Bad colds around. Dennis home 8.20. Caviare (for his birthday), guinea-hen. Grave speech from Chamberlain about War preparation and Hoare on Air Raids.
Tuesday 15th March 1938
Cool. Dull.
Took Kimbo walk near zoo. To National Liberal Club by tube. Electricity out of order. Dark and walked up escalators. Lunch with Jim Archer. To New Gallery film “Snow White” and Penguins. Tea Green Lizard. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate. Dennis tired. Caviare and chops.
Wednesday 16th March 1938
Cool. Sun at times.
To park and then back for bed-making. To Chelsea 11.20. Took F.B’s sea kale and 9 eggs. Took Doz out to Kensington Gardens. Sat and toddled round Hyde Park and took Doz home (her 2nd time out). At 2.45 to Freer’s with 12 eggs. Up to see Cecil. Peggy in bed with strained muscle. Florence out. Got my tea. Washed things. Dennis back 7.20. Taxi to Lyons’. Supper and to Regal to see Pepper. Showed us photos bungalow and saw “Vessel of Wrath”. Charles Laughton.
Thursday 17th March 1938
(no weather).
Wrote Alys in Park before 10.50. On to Selfridge’s for fish and then to Chelsea. Took Doz to Hyde Park. Watched riding in Row. Took her back. Back to lunch. To shops with Kimbo – Evans. Frilling, safety pins. Times Book Club, Woolworth’s – zip for Doz’s bag. Dennis late he wrote Alys.
Friday 18th March 1938
(no weather).
To Park and wrote Alys before 10.30, then 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey at 11.15 – 12.30. Cleaned bedroom. I put fur-coat away and Vernis a retoucher portrait. Brought it to 4 Cambridge Gate. In p.m. to Private View R.W.S To Lafayette’s. Bought hat and ribbons. Altered thin coat collar. Dennis in 8.
Saturday 19th March 1938
Perfect.
To Park and then High Street and in Hyde Park with Kimbo. On to Doz 11 and took her to Battersea Park. Sat there. Met Coley and Taff by river. Back lunch. Dennis home 3. We drove to Berkhamstead to Paul Faraday’s. Coniston, Cedar Road. Tea and in garden with Michael, Roger, Paulot and Norman, Rhoda, aged 2 months. Lois back with us at 7.30 to 77 Hampstead Way. Hme. Dinner. Listened-in. Letter from Alys to Dennis.
Memo:
13th To Doz a.m.
13th Supper – Ayrton’s early
15th 1 o’clock National Liberal Club
14th Dennis’ birthday and 19th Paul Faraday’s.
18th To 48 11 o;clock or 11.30.
18th R.W.S. Private View
Sunday 20th March 1938
Hottest Sunday in March on record – 66 degrees.
Out with Dennis in Lincoln Zephyr to Chelsea. Took Poz and Doz to West Heath Road. Dennis and Poz walked with Kimbo, Doz and I sat. Took them back. Hyde Park crammed. Rests. Dennis hayfever?? Tea. We went to Classic Cinema 5.25 saw Laughton in “Ruggles of Red Gap”. To Bulstrode House. Back to supper 4 Cambridge Gate. Washed up. Dennis wrote Alys with “Are You Sure?”
Monday 21st March 1938
Very fine. Warm.
To Park and High Street and then King’s Cross with egg-boxes. Then left Ford at Lab (Lincoln-Zephyr away). Walked home. After lunch, Lois came 2.30. To R.I Exhibition with her. Tea Ridgway’s and on to R.B.A.A.C. Portrait Jewess. Home 7.35. Lois left car here. Dinner. Dennis in before me! Phoned Lois. Letters from Alys and Phil to Dennis.
Tuesday 22nd March 1938
Fine. Cooler.
Bus 30 to Selfridge’s, with Kimbo. Got soles. Walked to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey cleaned brasses. No Bolt. After lunch, cut out blouse. Florence took Kimbo out. I pasted old railway print on card. After tea, to Lab to fetch Ford back. Dennis in 7.30. He wrote Phil with article from B.M.J and sent C.B.D’s (Caroline Beatrice Davey) letter to Alys about K.H.D’s death (Kate Heynes Davey)
Wednesday 23rd March 1938
Dull. Foggy.
In car to Park. To High Street with railway print to be framed. To Selfridge’s. On to 48 Cambridge Terrace to get vests and take thick vests. Lunch. Out with Kimbo. To Cook’s about Dennis’ ticket to Paris on 1st. Florence out. I washed nightgown. Dennis back 8.10 with lobsters from Wills. Letter to him from Alys. He wrote to her.
Thursday 24th March 1938
Very fine. Mild.
Out to Park with Kimbo and to Times Book Club about Phil’s Times’ and book. To Selfirdge’s for fish and Evans’ (Vogue patterns) and Lewis’. Ironed nightgown. After lunch, worked at green cotton blouse. After tea, took Kimbo to park and then car back. Dennis back at 8. K-H letter gloomy. Sent on to Phil in a.m.
Friday 25th March 1938
Dull. Colder.
Car to Park and High Street and Selfridge’s and Cook’s. In p.m. took eggs to Freer’s. Grand National Broadcast so not up to Cecil. To Driver’s on way home 2/6 fee. Dennis in. Dennis wrote Alys. Sewed cotton sleeves in blouse.
Saturday 26th March 1938
Fine, cold wind.
Wrote Alys and posted it with Dennis’ letter. To Burlington House with “Profile at a Window”. Back to High Street shops. Then onto Chelsea. Took Doz to shops and Battersea Park. Back to lunch. Dennis at 3.15. Took Kimbo on Heath and on to Freer’s. Tea there. Talks with Cecil (breathless). Back (Dennis twice up to Kit’s flat). Listened-in. Variety in evening. I read Elizabeth Fry.
Memo:
26th Times to renew for Phil
22nd 11.30 Bolt and Mrs Harvey
Stop luminol on 22nd for a month.
Sending-in for R.A. this week.
Sunday 27th March 1938
Dull. Coolish.
Dennis took Florence over the Lab. I with Kimbo in Park after Dennis to Bulstrode House. At 3.15 Dennis and I to the Cave’s to tea and supper “Duchess” fox terrier of Jean’s 8 weeks. And old Sally. Bill away at wedding. Home about 10.15 or 10.30?
Monday 28th March 1938
Fine. Mild.
To shops and to Selfridge’s and to Park with Kimbo. Sewed cotton blouse. Took Kimbo to Albany Street in p.m. and park. Lois to tea at 4. In her car to R.B.A.A.C. Painted model in evening cloak. Dennis wrote Berrys and Alys or Phil. Wrote Ella, Aunt Bella (lettercard about Isabelle colour).
Tuesday 29th March 1938
Fine. Mild.
To Park with Kimbo. Then alone on to Peter Robinson and then Selfridge’s. On to Chelsea. Took Doz to shops in King’s Road and on to Army & Navy Stores. Back via Embankment to Elm Park Road. Lunch there. To Arthur Street (about frame 8/-). Home. Tea late, as out again to Dickens & Jones’ (bus) and ordered jumper 29/-. Florence took Kimbo out. Alys phoned from Montana. Phil’s temperature. Dennis in 8.20.
Wednesday 30th March 1938
Warm. Fine.
Wrote Alys 10.30. Letter and luminol to Mrs Cooper. Out with Kimbo in Park and High Street. Home. Put wool knots in green jumper as seen at Dickens & Jones’. After lunch, took things to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Back, bringing portrait. Took Florence and Kimbo on Heath. Back 4. Painted on portrait. Dennis in about 8. I got supper and washed up (washed clothes earlier). Dennis phoned Alys at Montana. Postponed meeting.
Thursday 31st March 1938
Warm, fine.
To shops and Park and Cook’s about Dennis’ change of plans and on to S.O.S Society, Petty France. Ironed things and got stain from nightgown. Lunch. Ironed nightgown. Florence took Kimbo in Park. I wrote Sunday Times about “Isabelle Colour”. Took car back 6.50. Entrance being re-paved. Dennis rang Alys up at Montana. Phil 98.
Friday 1st April 1938
Fine, mild.
Letter and K-H to Phil. To High Street – Selfridge’s (socks for Dennis) and Park. Wrote Sunday Times. Up to Kitty’s to lunch. Talked and at 3 to Odeon, Belsize and saw “Lancer Spy”. War Spy. Naval Officer personated German officer. Tea with Buchanan’s. Drove home. Ironed grey and green jumper scarf. Dennis in 8.10. Dennis wrote Alys and Phil. Sent aspirins (12) with letter. I wrote Aunt Bella about Couleur Isabelle.
Saturday 2nd April 1938
Cold.
To High Street and Selfridge’s and Park with Kimbo. Arranged flowers (from Layton). Sewed. Pearman cleaned windows. Dennis and I at 4.15 Heath and then to Freer’s. Both saw Cecil separately. Tea. Took 12 eggs and seakale. Back 7.10 or so. Read and listened-in. Letter from Alys to Dennis enclosing Simonnes’ photos.
Memo:
April 1st Cassandra’s war article made Dennis and me unhappy.
April 1st Phil in Montana Hall.
Sunday 3rd April 1938
Cool, windy.
Read till nearly 12. To Park with Kimbo. Dennis slept after dinner. I read and to Park with Kimbo at 3.30. Got tea 5.5. Dennis to Bulstrode. Both of us at 5.35 to Kitty’s and took her to “A Yank at Oxford” Empire; and Stereoscopic Pictures (white, red and blue glasses). Also “Marie Celeste” mystery ship. Supper. Chinese Restaurant.
Monday 4th April 1938
Cool. Windy.
Letter with good report from Alys (and Phil’s note enclosed). Eva wrote Dennis about diphtheria case. I took Kimbo High Street and Park, walking (car’s battery out). Tea at 4 and to R.B.A.A.C. Portrait on canvas panel 9d, bought Reeves’ before. Dennis in 8.15. We phoned Alys in Montana at 9.30. Phil’s B.S.R. up and temp 98.8.
Tuesday 5th April 1938
Cool.
Letter from Eva to Alys (which Dennis opened) about Teddy gyppy tummy and walked Park and High Street and Selfridge’s. Bus Harrod’s. Kimbo too (car not ready). 2.45 Lilian’s for hair. Back 4.30. Tea. Took Kimbo out, and he disobedient a.m. and p.m. Dennis phoned Alys, arranged go to Montana at Easter.
Wednesday 6th April 1938
Coolish.
Walked with Kimbo in Park. Then got car (battery recharged). To 48 Cambridge Terrace and to Bank. Kit called 12.30 p.m. Bus to Piccadilly. Lunch Brasserie Universelle. To Globe (pit queue, Kit had taken very early). Saw “Robert’s Wife” by St John Ervine. Edith Evans and Owen Nares. Back 5.50. Florence out. Pigeon and steak and peas and carrots in casserole.
Thursday 7th April 1938
Fine and milder.
Rang up Nellie Moirl then Lois about Layton at Easter. To Park with car and Kimbo. To Selfridge’s for fish and to Cook’s about Dennis’ ticket to Montana. In p.m. to Redfern Gallery. Klinghoffer private view and pictures by Christopher Wood. Florence took Kimbo out. Mended things. Letters from Alys and Phil. I wrote Phil with K-L and Dennis wrote Alys. Posted 10.15 p.m.
Friday 8th April 1938
Cool. Sunny.
Car to Park and shops, High Street on to King’s Cross with egg-boxes and to reserve seats for 14th. Then to Debenham & Freebody’s – gloves 21.9 for Barbara’s 21st. In p.m. to Bigwood Court and to Lois. Tea in her garden. To Sissie but didn’t stop (Christina there). Back. Did some painting, and washing. Dennis in at 8.35 – very tired. Letter from Alys to him.
Saturday 9th April 1938
Cold.
Walked Park and High Street and back by Park. Wrote Colonel Badcock (about Kimbo). Not out in p.m. Dennis in 4.20. After tea, we took 12 eggs to Freer’s. Dennis writing up case charts all evening. Phoned Alys.
Memo:
6th Globe and lunch
7th 10 Klinghoffer Redfern
11th Sending in London Portrait
Sunday 10th April 1938
Cold North wind.
Dennis to see a doctor at Wandsworth. I took Kimbo long walk in Park. Wrote Eva. Dennis rested all p.m. I read and took Kimbo out after tea (5). Dennis and I to Classic. Saw “Friday the 13th”, very good film. Many stars. Dennis to Bulstrode and then both home to supper. Dennis wrote Alys.
Monday 11th April 1938
Cold. Sunny.
In car to take 2 portraits to London Portrait Society. To Selfridge’s for Dennis’ overcoat. Back. To Park. In p.m. posted parcels. On to Sissie’s to tea, away 5.40. Dennis in at 8.15 and out after dinner and the News, to Bulstrode. Back 10.
Tuesday 12th April 1938
Cold. Sunny.
In car to Park and 48 Cambridge Terrace (Income Tax papers) and Mrs Harvey’s and Bank. To Cook’s and High Street. In p.m. did Income Tax claim. Walked to South Audley Street. Bus to Baker Street. Park Wrote Mrs Cooper and Alys. Dennis not so very late.
Wednesday 13th April 1938
Cold wind. Warm sun.
To pack and High Street. In p.m. Florence out with Kimbo. I packed, sewed. Took car back after tea. Dennis in at 7.50. Letter from Alys to me, about Eva.
Thursday 14th April 1938
Fineish. Cold.
Breakfast 6.30. Dennis dressed, packed and to Victoria by 8.30 and off to Montana. I in Ford to Park with Kimbo; to Selfridge’s and Burlington to get picture. Lunch 12. At 12.30 bus to King’s Cross. Met Lois, Michael and Roger in train. 1.10 to Darlington. Tea on board. Arrived 6 (1/2 hour late). Blain and Armstrong: to Layton. Zeus very well and happy. Ozzy out and all night, Elgy’s. Boys to bed. Lois and I dinner and did crossword. Bed 9.45.
Friday 15th April 1938
Fine. Cool.
After breakfast at 8.45 all round rock-garden (waterfall). Stables. I wrote ALys and Phil 12.45 post. Lunch. Lois and boys slept upstairs in p.m. I about in garden. Called on Blain’s, all of us (with Freer clothes). Fires in bedrooms. Ozzy out, if freed to Elgy’s.
Saturday 16th April 1938
Fine. Cool.
Roger in bed to breakfast as coldy, but up after, and all of us in Ford to Richmond – crowded. Bought envelopes and painting-books. Easter eggs. After lunch, they all rested. I read on sofa. Boys with Cyril, seeing his rabbits. Lois and I did crossword in evening. Lois drove my Ford to East Layton after tea. Fires in bedrooms.
Memo:
11th Tea at Sissie’s.
14th 1.10 train to Darlington arr. 5.30.
12th 5.40 Blackfoot on wireless.
Hear from R.A. 16th or next week.
Florence leaves 14th
18th Barbara’s 21st birthday.
Sunday 17th April 1938
Cold, sunny a good deal.
Boys playing with Cyril and Kenneth. Lois and I in my car to Richmond to get Sunday Times. I drove. After dinner, boys painted and Lois and I painted them. In evening, we read papers and did “Are you sure?” Wrote Alys but didn’t send it.
Monday 18th April 1938
Very cold. Some sun.
Letter from Alys – Phil has fluid. Finished letters to Alys and Doz. Sent them 3.30. Boys with Cyril and Kenneth. Picked flowers. Ozzy with us for a time. In p.m. painted the boys, painting. Orchard after tea and field. Read “Stubbs at Fifty” Guy Pocock.
Tuesday 19th April 1938
Very cold. Dullish.
Roger had accident in knickers. Lois and I to Richmond to post her parcel; and buy meat and fish. She drove car home. In p.m. we painted again, boys painting till 4.15. Zeus ate their boat and ball. I called on Mrs Barber and Blain’s. Packed. “I’ve got your number” in the evening and crossword.
London
Wednesday 20th April 1938
Not so cold.
Breakfast 8.30. Ozzy with us. Gentle. At 10, Blain took Lois, Michael and Roger and me to Darlington. Sir Nigel Gresham “Blue engine, Jubilee 10.42 to King’s Cross. Sandwiches and crossword. Irene met them. I to 4 Cambridge Gate by bus. To 48 Cambridge Terrace for letters and to Burlington Gallery, but not varnishing-day. Back to tea. Unpacked. Read Times. Phoned Doris. Cecil very very ill 10.4. Phoned Kit.
Thursday 21st April 1938
Milder.
Wrote Alys 10.30. In car to Park with Kimbo. On to Burlington Gallery. Varnishing-Day London Portrait Society To R.A. to fetch picture away – rejected! Took it to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Drove to Freer’s. Saw Tony, Doris, Cecil. He recognised me. To Kenya, Henrietta street – coffee for Cecil. Lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. Met Kit, Peter Robinson’s. To Berkeley Cinema. Saw “The Puritan” Paul Fresnay. Home. Took Kimbo out. Read newspapers. Wireless.
Friday 22nd April 1938
Cold.
To Park and High Street with Kimbo and Selfridge’s and Evan’s Accounting House. To Lois’ to lunch (Kimbo too). Then took him home and we to R.A. to get Lois’ rejected pictures. To Private View R.B.A. Lois back to tea with me, and then we took her and picture to 77 Hampstead Way. She drove. I read and listened-in. Sir Ronald Storrs on Arabs – very good. Bernard Shaw and Dark Lady.
Saturday 23rd April 1938
Cold. Dull. Few spots of rain.
To Park and High Street, and Selfridge’s and Times (to prolong Phil’s paper till May 3rd). In p.m. to see Holmes, Parkhill Road and to lunch with Kit and Edward. Then to Embassy with Kit. Saw “Good and Proper”. Very bring. Back to tea. Quiet evening. Listened-in. Sewed ruching on evening coatee.
Memo:
R.B.A. James Laver opened Exhibition (5 minutes to see National Gallery)
Gave Blain 4/6 Olive and Doris 2/6 each in book.
Sunday 24th April 1938
Cold. Grey.
Took Kimbo on Primrose Hill; on to Freer’s. Saw Doris and Cecil. He said “Hullo, Alys!” but only semi-conscious. In p.m. to Victoria in Ford. Met Dennis (from Montana) at 3.21 (3.34). Back. Got tea. We wrote Alys and Phil. I also to Doz and Aunt Bella. Supper. Washed-up. Posted letters. Both of us. Dennis bath at 9.20.
Monday 25th April 1938
Cold. Grey.
Car to Park and High Street and Selfridge’s. Lunch. Wire from Cooper about boxes. At 3 to London Portrait Private View. Lois, Kitty, Jim Archer, who took me to tea at National Liberal Club. I back and in car to King’s Cross, with Florence. Met eggs and strawberries and asparagus. Dennis in 7.50. After dinner, we to Freer’s. Dennis saw Cecil, dying. Letters from Alys.
Tuesday 26th April 1938
Cold. Grey. Very slight rain.
To Park and High Street and Selfridge’s. Back 11.10. Holmes came to see flat. After lunch, Kit came and at 2.15 we to 48 Cambridge Terrace and then 21a Paddington Street to 1st of Air Raid Precaution Lectures, Mrs Freeland. I drove Kit home and had tea with her; put car away. Took Kimbo in Park. Dennis in 8.15. He wrote Phil. I sent letters off (mine to Alys).
Wednesday 27th April 1937
Cold. Grey.
Phoned Doris and heard that Cecil died night before (26th) 8.45. Went there in car. Back by High Street shops and to Kitty’s. Lunch. In car to Queens Theatre 2 p.m. Couldn’t book stool. Drove to see Margaret Harris at Burnt Oak. Took eggs, sweets, fruit. Drove straight to Piccadilly. Booked queue stool at 4.45. Back. Florence out. Dennis at a dinner – U.C.H. I had high tea and out to see “Merchant of Venice”, Queen’s Theatre. Gielgud. Peggy Ashcroft.
Thursday 28th April 1938
Cold. Bright.
With Dennis in car to Bulstrode 9.30. Ordered wreath and spray for Freer funeral. Grandiflora. Heard can’t go Layton. So to Wimpole Street Post Office. Sent wire to Cooper. Posted pyjamas to Phil. Letter to Alys from P.O. (with Eva’s letter and snaps). Back via Park. Washed things. To Lyceum for ticket – Irving Matinee. To Bruce Green on way there. Back tea. Read. At 9 Dennis and I to Freer’s.. Only Doris and Tony there. Cocktails. Dennis wrote Alys at 8.45.
Friday 29th April 1938
Cold. Grey.
To Park and High Street and then 48 Cambridge Terrace. Tidied and threw away. Lunch. At 2.30 to Doris’ and at 2.45 Cecil Freer’s funeral. I drove the Vicar to Hendon Park Cemetery. Back to tea at Ravensdene. Miss Freer, Mr Brazier, Eric. Home at 5.15 and to King’s Cross with Florence to send off 5 boxes, and collected one, with strawberries and asparagus. (Were to have gone to Layton but diabetic man very, very ill).
Saturday 30th April 1938
Cold. Sunny.
To Park and High Street walking and back. Bought Drummer dye 4d black and dyed georgette flowery frock and coatee. Hung it on leads. After lunch, ironed it. Dennis in to tea, and we to Bond’s to see Phil’s loco run. Dennis to Bulstrode; I with Kimbo there too. Dennis’ ill patient nearly dying, all day. Listened-in and Dennis out again at 10 to Bulstrode House. Wrote Phil with K-H letter.
Memo:
25th Lyceum
21st Paddington Station 5/-
26th 3 p.m. 4 p.m. A.R.P. Lectures. Mrs R Freeland, Bigwood Court
25th Private View – London Portrait Society
29th To Freer’s 2.30 for Cecil’s funeral.
Sunday 1st May 1938
Cold. Dull.
Wrote Alys and Ella (about Cecil Reid’s death). Took Kimbo a walk. Dennis to Bulstrode House. After dinner, read, Dennis rested. He and I (after walk – me with Kimbo at 3.30) to tea at Molly Heanley’s. Baby getting about on his tummy on floor – 9 months, 3 weeks old. Back. Took Kimbo out. Dennis to Bulstrode House at 6 and 10 and called out at 5.30 a.m. (patient died then).
Monday 2nd May 1938
Dull, rain in p.m.
To Hampstead, Woolworth’s and to see Elsa. To Selfridge’s on way back. In p.m. to Borehamwood. Elstree. Looked at flats there. Eldon Avenue £61. Back. Tea and to R.B.A Art Club. Painted. Dennis in and very sleepy. Both to bed at 9.45.
Tuesday 3rd May 1938
Rain all a.m.
Wrote Alys about flat at Elstree. In rain in Park and then High Street and on to Bruce Green’s to pay 12.6 glasses and 6d ribbon. Back. Out to lunch with Kit. Drove her to A.R.P. lecture 3 – 4. Drove her back home. Put car away. Took Kimbo out. Had tea and supper. Dennis in to dress and to Pen Club dinner (Yetts). I to Embassy Theatre to see “Profit and Loss”. Florence out.
Wednesday 4th May 1938
Fine day. Milder.
To High Street. To 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey there and window-cleaner. I turned out books. Lunch. Then to look at flats, Eamont, Townshend Courts. To Ower’. Keys of flats Parkside and Regency Court. Home to tea. Took Florence to look at flats. She walked back with Kimbo, and Park. Dennis in 7.30. Both wrote Alys after dinner.
Thursday 5th May 1938
Fine, mild. Cool wind.
Out with Kimbo in Park. To Lab. Dennis came with me to see flats. Regency House and Eamont Court. I to High Street and back then to 6 Elm Park Road. Lunch with Fred Barnard’s (Doz and Poz). To Mary Pollitt’s Show. Jim Archer there. Walker Galleries. On in car to Dolcis, Strand. Shoes 12.11. Home . 5.35 tea. Dennis called for me 8.45. We to dine at Heanley’s. Saw baby Charles Peter at 10.
Richmond
Friday 6th May 1938
Very fine. Mild.
Wrote Alys 10.30. In car to Golders Green and called on Sissie and Nellie Moir. Walked though wood. Looked at flats. Lunch. Packed. Tea (took Kimbo out before tea). Dennis home 5. Taxi to King’s Cross. Jubilee 5.30 to Darlington. 8.41 Dinner on train. Blain met us and Armstrong back to Layton. Strawberries. Zeus and Ozzy friendly together and very pleased. New bees swarmed.
Saturday 7th May 1938
Cool, sun and shade.
All day in garden, watering, weeding rock-garden. Cyril showed me his birds’ nest. Dennis on bed in p.m. (with Oz dog). I on sofa. Gave Blain brood frames. In p.m. Dennis and I played Slosh in billiard room. He gave me 50 out of 250. To bed about 10.15.
Memo:
3rd A.R.P. lecture 3.
Lunch with Kit.
1.15 Lunch 6 Elm Park Road.
5th Mary Pollitt Private View
4th 48 Cambridge Terrace 11.30.
6th To Layton
Remove from L. Portrait. May 9th a.m.
R.A. opens 2nd.
Sunday 8th May 1938
Very fine. Cool.
Out in garden. I took my car to get petrol (2 gallons 3.3) near Greta Bridge. Wrote Alys. Dennis wrote to her after dinner, and to Eva. No rests. We went to see Blain baby at 5.30. Slosh in evening.
London
Monday 9th May 1938
Cold. Dullish.
Jubilee train 10.41 (Armstrong at 10) to King’s Cross. Lunch on train. Taxi to Mews. Dennis to Lab in Lincoln-Zephyr. In Ford to Burlington Gallery. Got my portrait. Back. Tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. Out with Kimbo in car; and to Park and 48 Cambridge Terrace (with picture). Dennis back 8.15 (looked up unfurnished rooms). Letter from Phil to Dennis.
Tuesday 10th May 1938
Milder.
Sent K-H letter to Phil. Out to Park and to see rooms – Gloucester Crescent and King Henry’s Road. Back. To lunch at Lab and see Mrs Wigg cook kippers. Back, then at 3 to A.R.P. lecture and demonstration of gas masks; drill till 5 or past. Tea. Out in car to look at more rooms, Kentish Town. Dennis in at 7.50. Wax in ear; put glycerine in. Wrote Alys about 77 King Henry’s Road.
Wednesday 11th May 1938
Warm. 70 degrees. Fine.
To Park; then High Street, Selfridge’s and 48 Cambridge Terrace. Took measurements of furniture. Lunch. Then to 77 King Henry’s Road. Measured room. Saw Miss Pickin. In p.m. to Foyle’s and sold books (very heavy) for 5/-. Tired.
Thursday 12th May 1938
Very warm. 70 degrees.
Phoned Ernest Miles. I to 48 Cambridge Terrace and did some clearing up and getting things (frames and brasses) to give to Lois. Out again to lunch with Dennis at Lab to try on his white waistcoat. To Menie’s to dinner 7.15 (bus). Dennis to the Bartholomew’s boys 21st Birthday, Savoy. In at 1.30 a.m.
Friday 13th May 1938
Warm.
Dennis in bed all day with bad cold. Only orange-juice and dates. I to 48 Cambridge Terrace and did some clearing up, and at 2.30 to Lois with things. Walk on heath. School boy hurt his leg, falling off cycle on to my car. Took him home (bandaged by Lois). Tea with Lois.
Saturday 14th May 1938
Hot. Dull. Rain at times.
Dennis in bed – fruit. To look at more rooms and to Allsop’s (agents) and then flats in Abbey Road district, St John’s Wood. Then to Miss Pickin and said I would take 77 King Henry’s Road room at 15/- a week from about 26th? In p.m. to 48 Cambridge Terrace and on to King’s Cross. Met Olive 4.15 from Darlington. Tea. Again to 48 Cambridge Terrace and back at 7.15. Sent letter to Grand Junction giving notice to quit 48 Cambridge Terrace by 28th May. Cheerful letter to Dennis from Phil.
Memo:
10th Demonstration and Lecture 3 – 6
12th Menie’s’ 7.15 Dennis to Bartholomew’s 21st party
Sheringham Show closes 14th
Phil’s Times till 17th.
10th Olive comes.
Sunday 15th May 1938
Warm. Fine.
Wrote long letter to Eva, enclosing £2 for James’ birthday. Dennis on fruit all day and in bed until 4.30. I in car to 48 Cambridge Terrace and did a lot of tidying out. Brought silver back. After dinner again to 48 Cambridge Terrace and worked there. Tea with Dennis; he to Bulstrode to see patient. I put car away. Supper alone, as Dennis orange juice and dates. He wrote to Alys. Kit phoned.
Monday 16th May 1938
Dull. Cooler.
Otto phoned about Dick spitting blood. Dennis off, and very busy day with Dick’s sputum. Negative. I to High Street and Thornett’s and 48 Cambridge Terrace. Thornett came there and estimated removal £4.0.0. I engaged his firm for 26th. Florence’s brother arrived and she out with him 12 onwards. Kit to tea and we to gas-van experience. Lisson Grove (C.A.P. Tear-gas). Cooked turbot. Olive did asparagus. Dennis home 8.20. Wrote Alys.
Tuesday 17th May 1938
Cool. Showers.
Florence away to brother. I to High Street and 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey 11 – 12.45. After lunch, Kit called for me and to A.R.P. lecture 3 – 4. Tea. In Park with Kimbo. Wrote paper for Turnbull’s competition.
Wednesday 18th May 1938
Cold.
To High Street and to 48 Cambridge Terrace and then to Fairlight Nursing Home to see Peggy Freer. To see Doris too and to lunch. To Lewis’ to buy moth-bag for blankets. To Woolworth’s. Met Barbara and with her to Dr Goldsmith’s. Dennis back 8 and we to Chinese Restaurant. Home 10. Olive out.
Thursday 19th May 1938
Cold. Some sun.
Postcard to Alys. To Park and to High Street and then 48 Cambridge Terrace. Tidied wardrobe shelves and drawers. Back 1 o’clock. At 1.45 took sliver teapot to my Bank. Met Mrs Harvey 2. Worked with her, blankets, rugs, canvases. Back to tea. Florence came. Dennis not in till 12, patient bleeding. I dined 8.30 and to bed 10.
Friday 20th May 1938
Very cold. Showers.
Wrote Alys. To Park and 48 Cambridge Terrace. Worked hard there till lunch. At 2.30, took Olive to 48 Cambridge Terrace and then to Park; left her and Kimbo to walk, and back to 48. Tidying portfolios. Tea at 5.10. Very tired. Burnt steamship and other papers, U.S.A. Dennis in 8.15. He wrote Alys (wrote Mrs Cooper).
Saturday 21st May 1938
Cold. Perfect. Sunny.
To Park and High Street and 48 Cambridge Terrace. Tiring a.m. tidying drawers in frost book-case. After lunch (Florence came). Dennis phoned 3 and we drove to Hampstead Heath and walked in Golder’s Hill Park (Kimbo with Olive). Tea. Read. To Bond’s (after 6 p.m. news about Czech Slovakia crisis) Fetched Loco. Listened-in, man 108 years. To bed 9.30. Both Dennis and I very sleepy and tired.
Memo:
16th 217 Lisson Gove 5 p.m. Gas-van.
17th A.R.P 3 -4.
18th 11 – 12 see Peggy. Phil’s Times to 31st
23rd 11 Mrs Harvey
(Great tension over Czecho-Slovakia – what will Hitler do?)
Sunday 22nd May 1938
Perfect.
Out for walk on Heath and sat on seats in sun (I in shade). After dinner, Dennis slept. I rested on sofa. Mr Silverston to tea. Olive out. Dennis and I to Classic and saw “Swing-Time” with Ginger Rogers and Astaire. Very good. Dennis to Bulstrode. Supper. Both wrote Alys and Dennis to Eva and Mr Bartholomew.
Monday 23rd May 1938
Warm. Dullish.
Letter from Eva answering mine of 15th. Letter from Alys. Wrote her. To Park, High Street and then 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey. Desk. After lunch to Lyceum Theatre gallery to Irving Centenary Memorial concert. Queen Mary there and nearly all actors and actresses. Back by busses. Tired, hot. Dennis in 8.15 but out again to Bulstrode after dinner and only in very late. I tore up papers and burnt them.
Tuesday 24th May 1938
Cooler. Showers.
To Park, High Street and Ford’s Hotel and Norland; To 48 Cambridge Terrace and did trunk, clothes, drawers. Lunch. Kit and I to A.R.P. lecture. Room protection from gas. To Durrant’s Hotel. In in Ford 8 to Rudolf Steiner Hall. Embassy Theatre Meeting 5. Left at 6.55. Dennis dressing dinner 7. Took him to Royal Society of Medicine to meeting 8.30. He showing his slides and talking.
Wednesday 25th May 1938
Cool.
Shops and over to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Mrs Harvey at 11.15 – 12.55. Tidying, cleaning. Back to lunch, and back to 48 at 2.30. Mrs Harvey again 3 – 4.15. Tired. To Driver’s, Hampstead about boarding Kimbo. To 72 Adelaide Road about keys twice. Olive out. Kedgeree. Very, very tired. Dennis wrote to Alys and Phil and Eva (war and Richmond Post Office).
Thursday 26th May 1938
Cool. Finer later.
Breakfast 8. Out at 9 and to 48 Cambridge Terrace. Thornett’s men with van and packed all my things until 1.40. Back to lunch 4 Cambridge Gate. And they brought book-case there 3 p.m. To 77 King Henry’s Road and furniture put in there. Lois and Doris Pocock helped a lot. Done by 5.50. Back to 4 Cambridge Gate. Tired. Dennis in 8.25. Busy. Listened-in 10 o’clock news.
Friday 27th May 1938
Dull, showers.
Out to High Street and Primrose Hill and on to 77 King Henry Road. Tired to arrange a little but far too crowded! Back to lunch. To Foyle’s 2 o’clock – sold books. To 77. Tired, but went on tidying up. Back to tea. Out to get cheese. Did up curtains (Persian print) for cleaning. Dennis in 7.40. Doz phoned. I very tired.
Saturday 28th May 1938
Heavy rain a.m.
Did up red tweed coat and skirt and cape and zip bag and jumper for Minnie. Took Olive out in car to High Street. Posted parcels. Heavy rain. In p.m. Dennis at 3 and drove to Heath. Walked around and then to Big Wood in Golders Green. Back 4.20. Tea. Dennis to Bulstrode before dinner. Brought his paper back (for B.M.J.). Listened-in. To bed 10. Very tired.
Memo:
24th 3 A.R.P. last 24th 5 p.m. Embassy Rudolf Steiner Hall.
24th Dennis’ paper at Royal Society Medicine.
26th Flower Show 9.30. Thorntons to move
Sunday 29th May 1938
Showery.
Ironed gree curtains, and made up the orange crate into shoe closet again. Out with Dennis to Highgate Ponds. Diving!! After dinner, slept on sofa. Dennis upstairs. Got tea. (Wrote Eva). Out to 77 King Henry’s Road with Dennis and afterwards to Classic 5.35. Saw “Private Lives” Norma Shearer, Robert Montgomery. Got supper and washed up tea and supper things. Tired.
Monday 30th May 1938
Showery. Gale.
Mostyn’s cleaning Alys car so tube to Kardomah, through Green Park with Kimbo, bus to Selfridge’s. Walked back via High Street and Park. Dennis phoned 1 o’clock about very good report on Phil by Dr Rhodes. At 4.30 Dennis and I to Victoria. At 5.30 Alys and Phil arrived! Taxi and car to Durrant’s Hotel. All dined there. Drive to Heath after.
Tuesday 31st May 1938
Showers. Cool.
Alys and Phil staying at Durrants. At 10 a.m. Dennis (and I with Ford) to Durrants. To show Ford to Alys. To shops and Alys and I fetched Kit to lunch at 4 Cambridge Gate. Phil to Aymer and Hudson and lunch at Lab. Kit and I to A.R.P. lecture. Alys to hair-doing. I tea with Phil at Sagne’s and drove him to Hanover Square. Back and took Kimbo out. All dined Bath Club.
Wednesday 1st June 1938
Showery. Coolish.
Took car to Durrant’s Hotel. To shops with Alys. Phil had Camille (French Canadian) to lunch. Alys and I up on her bedroom. She packing and Phil to Brompton Hospital to visit Betty Parvin and Laing and tea with Fred Barnard’s (Doz and Poz). Alys and I tea at 4 Cambridge Gate. All had split mackerel at 4 Cambridge Gate at 7.30. Dennis heard B.M.J. returned his paper. Sad. All in car to Durrant’s. 9.45.
Thursday 2nd June 1938
Cool. Gale.
Hard gale all night. Took car to Durrant’s. Then to shops – baps, ham. Times Book Club p.m. Alys at Hotel. I here. Tea. Bus to King’s Cross. Alys and Phil tea there, and Jubilee 5.30 to Darlington. I drove Ford back. Took Kimbo out. Burnt letters. Dennis in at 7.30 and out again.
Richmond
Friday 3rd June 1938
Cool. Fine.
Alarum 6.15 a.m. Called Olive. Breakfast 7and off at 8.15 in Lincoln-Zephyr. Dennis, Olive and I and we left Kimbo at Driver’s. On and on, and lunch in woods just south of Doncaster at 12.30. Arrived at Layton at 3.30. Phil and Alys in hut and Zeus. Tea indoors. Unpacked. In garden. Phil had 2 bee-stings on ear. Dinner 7.30. I read “A tale from Bali” Vicki Baum and others in billiard-room. News and bed 10.
Saturday 4th June 1938
Fine. Cool.
About in garden. Dennis and Phil in top room with engine. Alys and I to Richmond in p.m. Dennis had a Colonel and friend calling 2.30 about the shooting. After tea, in top room with loco and then I drove to Richmond to try to get coalite; but none there. After dinner, by pond and sat on seat and did “Are You Sure?” but pretty cool. Wrote to Miss Pickin with cheque for rent and Eric for dog book.
Memo:
31st A.R.P. lecture
Friends – Helen Lomax, Camille.
30th Alys and Phil arrive 2 weeks Alys and Phil to Layton
3rd Dennis and I to Layton and Olive.
Sunday 5th June 1938
Fine, windy later.
Out in garden. Reading papers in shade, or sun. Phil had long-chair under trees on bank. On sofa in p.m. Newspaper and “Bali”. Others doing engine upstairs. Out with dogs. In sitting-room doing “Are you sure?” and cactus.
Monday 6th June 1938
Windy and dull.
In garden. Flowers. To fetch ties with Zeus and Dennis cut branches. After tea, drove in 2 cars to big quarry via East Layton. Walked along edge. Alys and Dennis played Slosh in billiard room. Phil and I in sitting room. He read letters aloud.
Tuesday 7th June 1938
Sunny, windy.
Gave Zeus a lesson on lead, to heel. Dennis in boots in pond, got weed out. Helped. Phil rested under Wellingtonia a.m. and p.m. Talked with Alys about Montana in p.m. Dennis upstairs. Elgy to see Dennis, who very worried and cross. After dinner to see cactus and walked round. Mr Booth to tea. Alys and Dennis Slosh 9.30 – 10. I in Phil’s room.
Wednesday 8th June 1938
Sunny. Fine.
Did flowers. Alys and Dennis played croquet. The “Mitches” came with caravan (he’d made) and Bonny, Spaniel. Mr Clark from Haltwhistle to lunch and talked with Dennis about Estate (Trustee). Dennis arrange he takes over estate work at £60 a year. At 3.45, Dennis, Alys and Olive in Lincoln-Zephyr to London. Phil and I tea and in his car to Kirland’s and round. Caught goldfish and changed tired female to other ponds.
Thursday 9th June 1938
Fine, sunny.
Phil and I to Richmond at 11, but too busy for hair-cut. Took leather coat and brogues and chuplis and suitcase to Foster. After lunch, I drove to Darlington to get dog-rusks and bee sugar and oats and engine charcoal fuel. Back at 4.15. Down by pond after tea. Wrote Alys. Phil did stamps after supper. Dennis phoned to me at 9.15 about Phil being x-rayed as soon as possible. Sat in Phil’s room till 10.45 or so.
Friday 10th June 1938
Heavy showers and sun
Did flowers. Helped Phil with beeswax frames in hut. Lunch 1. At 1.45 Phil drove us to Darlington. He to Dr Fothergill to be x-rayed. I to Smith’s for Bradshaw and ordered sugar. Did flowers till tea. Phil wrote Alys. Goldfish died. Phil did stamps, and later my Turnbull competition.
Saturday 11th June 1938
Dull. Cool.
Did flowers. Phil lighted fire in sitting-room. Doris out; Mrs Cooper and Linda did work. I cut nettles. Phil and I drove to Bowes Museum after tea, via Barnard Castle. Listened-in and stamps till 9.30. Turnbull competition.
Memo:
7th 3rd cactus out
Sunday 12th June 1938
Dull. Cool. Fine after 5.30.
Read papers. Out, and Phil cut nettles and then I did till 1. Wrote Alys and Ella. Rested all afternoon (except letters). Out in Phil’s car by Winston, Worlton, Ovington. After dinner, painted in sitting-room. Phil doing stamps. Doris out. 1 cactus out.
Monday 13th June 1938
Perfect day.
Phil and I to Richmond at 10. He had hair-cut. I to Foster’s and chemist. Sat by ponds and Phil had long chair there. Read K-H. I wrote Alys and Doz afternoon and read “The Rains Come”. Watered plants. Phil put on lots of records in evening and Alys telephoned to him.
Tuesday 14th June 1938
Perfect day.
Phil down by ponds, all day. I cut nettles by bee-hives. We drove up to other side by heather. I to Richmond in p.m. and had hair-cut. Got chocolates. Posted “Bali”. Records – Gilbert & Sullivan in evening. Letter from Alys to Phil about Chandler. Sent oats recipe to Doz.
Wednesday 15th June 1938
Duller. Warm.
Did bookcases a bit, with Phil and did flowers. Phil under Wellingtonia. After tea, drove by Gayles and Phil and Blain (first) did bees. I did flowers. Doris out. I cut branches on way to fetch Times. Out to see 26 cacti in greenhouse.
Thursday 16th June 1938
Fine a.m. Dull but warm p.m.
Letters from Alys to Phil and me about East Coast and Doz and Bunny Baker. Phil and I to Richmond for picture-hooks. I took my green zip thing to cleaners. On up Swale valley to Marske. Back to Richmond for petrol. In p.m. I drove Phil’s car round to get used to it. Phil rested on lawn. He wrote letters. Watered flowers. Arranged books. Hung map and photo in Phil’s room. Cut nettles.
Friday 17th June 1938
Hot and fine.
Did flowers nearly all a.m. and preparing rooms. Phil above wall, resting. Hot day. I went to sleep on sofa! Phil got Times in a.m. Sat outdoors knitting Phil’s welt, till 7.40 and then Katharine and George came (from London). Dinner. Down by ponds and round garden after. To bed 10 and I at 10.35. George in Phil’s room till 10.
Saturday 18th June 1938
Fine but thunder storm and hail, twice.
Phil and George to garage (Greta Way) with George’s car. Katharine and I wandered round. All sat in garden. I knitted. Fetched “Times”. George’s car not ready so they stayed till dinner, and had it with us, and left at 8 p.m. Phil to bed after about 9.
Memo:
15th 26 cacti out (5 before this)
Florence back 13th or 14th
18th Kath and George Buchanan here.
Sunday 19th June 1938
Windy, fine.
Did some packing and nasty piles. Drove in Phil’s car round by East Layton with him beside me. Wrote letter-card to Alys. Rested. Phil in hut, as windy, all day. Both out to see 24 cacti at 8.30. Phil to bed early.
Monday 20th June 1938
Cool. Windy.
Piles still rather bad. I to Richmond in my car. Bought avi-cushion. To fetch things from Foster’s. Left Phil’s leather coat there (will cost about 10/- he said). Rested in p.m. After tea, Doris packing for Phil; I finished packing. Dinner. Out with Phil to see 13 more cacti. Piles very bad and painful all night, till 6.30 a.m. Slept about 2 hours only after aspirin.
Tuesday 21st June 1938
Very hot and fine and windy.
Breakfast 8.30. I off in Phil’s Ford 10 at 9.45. Petrol at Bramham. 4 gallons 6/4. Through Doncaster 11.53. Lunch in Dukeries by roadside. On through Nottingham. Very hot. To Leicester. Piles very painful then so tried Midland Hotel (no garage). Heathland’s Hotel (no room) and stayed Elmfield Avenue Hotel, Stoneygate. Tea. Dinner and a good night. Pain went at 8.30. To bed.
Llanfairfechan
Wednesday 22nd June 1938
Cool. Pouring rain in Wales. Off at about 9.30. Wrong road. Arrived Rugby 10.30. Garaged car (Overton’s). Train 11.36 to Crewe 12.50. Chester. Departed Chester 2.20. To Llandudno Junction. Took busses (Conway). To Llanfairfechan. Arrived 4.30. To Bry-y-Neuad. Dr and Mrs Starkey gave me tea. To see Edward. To Pen-y-Bryn Hotel. To cinema 6 – 8 Big City. Supper. Pen-y-Bryn Hotel 82.0. Mrs Birch and children back. To bed 10 p.m.
London
Thursday 23rd June 1938
Dull, mild, rain in a.m.
Breakfast 8.15. Took bus 9 a.m. from Llanfairfechan to Llandudno Junction. Train from there 9.55. Arrived Chester 11.10. Changed and departed 11.27. Arrived Crewe 11.55. Ate lunch. Changed and departed 12.45 (nearly lost train!) Arrived Rugby 2.10. To garage (Overton). Drove away in Phil’s car 2.35. Through Dunstable, Stoney Stratford and arrived 4 Cambridge Gate 5.30 (ate biscuit and chocolate on way). Talked Alys and Phil. Dennis in 7.45. Dinner. News. To bed 9.45.
Friday 24th June 1938
Windy, warm.
Phil down to breakfast. I on sofa, reading papers and sewing all a.m. Alys took Phil to Lords for Test Match (with Doz). Alys on to Waring’s for her hair to be done. After lunch (Alys and I) out with Kimbo in Park. Alys to shops. Phil back at 5 o’clock. Very tired. On sofa. He to bed at 5.30 and stayed there. Hermione Collard to dinner and up to see Phil, until 9.40. Dennis to Oxford for Committee Meeting.
Saturday 25th June 1938
Warm. Fine.Phil in bed. Stiffness and headache. I out with Alys to shops and took Kimbo in Park. Listened-in to Test Match; very exciting. After lunch, I met Poz at Criterion Theatre and saw “French without Tears”, stalls (bought for Teeds, who ill at Lois’!) Back to tea 5 (listening-in Test Match). Phil down after tea, dressed. Dennis returned at 7 (or before). Alys to fetch him from Bulstrode. Great accounts of his time at Oxford (Merton) and Nuffield Institute at Pathologists Meeting.
Memo:
27th Phil to London, I to Llanfairfechan
22nd Phil to Chandler
24th Phil to Test Match with Doz – Lords
Rent paid to 23rd – 4 weeks £3.0.0.
Sunday 26th June 1938
Fine. Hottish.
Out with Alys and Dennis and Kimbo in Park. Dennis to Bulstrode in car. In p.m. Dennis and Phil up on leads. Alys and I in dressing-room. I took Kimbo out and then at 5.20 all 4 in car to Classic and saw “If I had a Million”. Short incidents but good. Drove round Park. Supper. Florence in.
Monday 27th June 1938
Cool. Rain. Wind.
Kit rang up. I took Kimbo in Park and brought car round. Phil down to breakfast but upon bed till lunch and Kit at 11.45, up to see Phil and then took me to lunch (with sewing machine). We worked all p.m. at skirts. Edward in, and tea 5. Kit took me back. Took Kimbo in Park and with Alys to Welbeck Street Post Office. Dennis back 8. All to Hampstead Heath after dinner. Phil drove. Walked round Leg o’ Mutton.
Tuesday 28th June 1938
Wind. Gale. Dullish. Some sun.
I got car round and then bus to Marks & Spencer. Bought frock there. On to Selfridge’s, C&A, and Stagg & Russell’s. Got frock. To Lyric to get tickets. Back. Lunch. Alys and Phil decided to go to Aldeburgh today. I to Alys’ bank in Ford 8. Then got Ford 10 round. Phil to Dennis for inoculation. Then Alys and he off to Suffolk. I shopped and back and out to 77 King Henry’s Road for things. Back to tea.
Wednesday 29th June 1938
Dull. Windy.
To shops and Park. Sewed and tried on frocks. To tea with Teeds at Lois’ (Lois with Queen Mary at Institute). On to Sissie’s for 20 minutes. Back via 77 King Henry’s Road and saw Miss Pickin. Gave her cheque for rent. Dennis back 7.45 with work and I helped him with charts (obesity) all evening.
Thursday 30th June 1938
Dull.
Out to High Street and Park and Selfridge’s. Wrote Alys at Aldeburgh. Sent cheque 8.15.0 for car insurance. Then needlework altering frocks. At 2.15 met Poz at Lyric Theatre to see “Amphitryon 38”. Lunt and Fontanne. Very good birthday present to Poz from me. Tea at Vienna café. To Layfayette’s and back at 6.15 Sewed black organdie coat and skirt. Dennis in 7.45 but out again. I sewed all evening.
Friday 1st July 1938
Windy.
To shops – Selfridge’s. Worked hard all day. Machining and planning new frock. At 6, Olive and I took boxes to King’s Cross, but no strawberries had arrived. Worrying, no peas either. Dennis in 7.45 or so and I still sewing and ironing. Dennis and I to King’s Cross at 10, but no boxes from Layton.
Saturday 2nd July 1938
Warm and fine. Windy.
Breakfast 8. Dennis and I in Lincoln Zephyr with Kimbo at 9.45, to Aldeburgh. Arrived about 1 o’clock. Crowded roads (all rested in p.m.). Alys and Phil received us at Trinity Cottage, High Street. (Mr and Mrs Boterall). Strolled out. Drove (Phil drove Lincoln Zephyr) to Thorpeness and Dunwich. Got out there. After supper, along front and saw Mrs Abbott and Ruth and friend.
Memo:
27th Phil only very slightly positive
1st Write Eva and Teddy for birthdays. Wrote and sent cheque £6.0.0 and housecoat.
Sunday 3rd July 1938
Fine, but greyish.
Dennis and Phil to get newspaper. Up at 6 with Kimbo and again 7.30 on beach. Phil and Dennis walked to quay. Alys and Dennis drove along to quay in Ford and Dennis bought large salmon trout for 8/-. Dennis and I bathed, then I had a curious “blackout” or lapse of memory from 12.30 until 3.30 or so. No consciousness of lunch. Midinal and slept. Alys packed and Dennis, Alys and I in Lincoln Zephyr to London (I mostly asleep). Supper 9 of the large fish.
Monday 4th July 1938
Cooler.
Alys’ 54th birthday. Breakfast with Alys and Dennis in dining-room. Then on sofa. Very sleepy still from medinal. Both Alys and I had lunch in drawing-room, then I into bed. Slept. Alys had tea in my room. Dennis back 7. Dinner (I in bed) and Dennis and Alys to Lyric to see “Amphitryon 38”. Kitty came and sat with me in bedroom till 9.30. Slept very well all night.
Tuesday 5th July 1938
Thunder showers.
Stayed in bed after having breakfast in dressing-gown with Alys and Dennis. Did Times crossword. Had lunch with Alys in dining-room in dressing gown. At 3.15 Alys drove me to 18 Harley Street and we saw Dr Hobhouse (neurologist), about my queer turn. Back. Tea. On sofa. Dennis in. Doz at 7.15 or so to dinner. Alys and Dennis took her back in Lincoln Zephyr at 10.45.
Wednesday 6th July 1938
Dullish. Coolish.
Breakfast in dressing-gown. Dressed after. Wrote diary up (on sofa). Alys to shops. I doing Times crossword and reading paper all a.m. Lunch. Rest on bed but not asleep, I think. After tea, Alys drove me in Park; and we out with Kimbo, by canal, after going to Gayler & Pope for rickrack braid. Dennis in at 7.50. After dinner, Alys and I helped him with charts of obese patients. To bed 10.15.
Thursday 7th July 1938
Warm. Stormy. Windy.
Alys wrote Aunt Bella about me and Layton. Doz came about 11.30; we out I Regents Park by the canal; while Alys did her shopping. Doz to lunch. Rested till tea. After Alys and I to Heath and sat in deck-chairs (with Kimbo). Dennis in at 7.50; excited about the obesity charts. Jim Archer rang me up (Gilbert & Sullivan) Dennis out again after dinner.
Friday 8th July 1938
Heavy showers.
Rang up Jim Archer. I wrote Aunt Bella. Out with Alys to High Street, in rain. To Gayler & Pope for zip. To Lords and round to see if Eton and Harrow playing. Rest, after lunch. Tea 4. Alys and I in car to 77. Got my carpet; then to Saxone in Strand for shoes. Ordered them. To King’s Cross for Layton things. Dennis back at about 8. He read K-H letter.
Saturday 9th July 1938
Dull. Thundery.
I wrote Poz with cheque 35/-. Breakfast 8. Alys and Dennis away to Aldeburgh in Lincoln Zephyr with Kimbo. Doz came about 11.15 or so. Went out in Park and looked at roses in Queen Mary’s Garden. Lunch. Both of us rested on beds till tea. Not out again, as dull and showery. Did crossword. Doz phoned Poz (who back from Aldeburgh) at 7. To bed 9.30 or so. Read Fokker book. Doz slept in Alys and Dennis’ room.
Memo:
9th Dennis and Alys to Aldeburgh. Doz to stay with me here.
3rd Alys asked Poz to go to Aldeburgh to be with Phil, and she went on 4th.
5th and 6th and 7th felt weak and shaky and as if had had influenza “shock”. I suppose.
Felt much better on 8th
Sunday 10th July 1938
Dull. Windy.
Sat over breakfast and talked. At about 11.20 out in Park. Sat by water and watched rowing and sailing boats. Rests all p.m. on beds. Slept. Olive out. Did skeleton crossword. Wrote postcard to Alys and supper at 8.45. Dennis and Kimbo back from Aldeburgh. Doz and I did “Are you Sure” and Doz away after. Dennis had supper at 9.50.
Monday 11th July 1938
Windy. Fine on whole.
Breakfast 8 with Dennis. Washed part of knitted coat, and then ironed it. At about 11, Kitty came – sewed, talked. At 12, in her car to my Bank (also the one in Baker Street) and Marks & Spencer. Got oranges. Kit had lunch with me and we rested after. Tea. Kit away as Quits arrived from U.S.A. Took Kimbo to the Park. Dennis in at 8.40, as car wouldn’t start. I began supper. Washed up for News 10. To bed 10.25.
Tuesday 12th July 1938
Fine.
Took Kimbo in Park. Machined and sewed. Marks & Spencer back. At 12.30, Alys and Phil arrived from Aldeburgh in Ford 10. Lunch. Rests. Tea at 4. Phil to Bull for x-ray (alone). Alys to King’s Cross and then she drove me to Bertorelli’s 7 p.m. Met Jim Archer and dined and then to Scala to see “Iolanthe”. D’Oyley Carte Company. Martyn Green (Lord Chancellor – very, very good). Washed. Home to 4 Cambridge Gate.
Wednesday 13th July 1938
Very fine and hot.
Alys to shops and I took Kimbo in Park. Then tube to Piccadilly and to Lilian for hair doing. Cut, shampooed. Just back for lunch. Phil had been to Aymer and Chandler (refill). Rests after lunch. Alys out. Tea with Phil. Sewed black and white frock. Lobster from Wills. Wrote J.A.W. B.B.C Hunt poem by Pat Barrington. Dennis and Alys to fetch car back, as both cars at Lab.
Thursday 14th July 1938
Dull. Mild.
Letters from Aunt Bella. Alys and I to Evans, Selfridge’s (she) and with Kimbo in Park. Phil not out till evening. Alys took me to 77 King Henry’s Road for things. Tea. Ironed grey silk frock and sewed Alys’ blue frock. Gwen Cave and Molly Hadow to dinner. Dennis and Alys to Palace Theatre with Heanley’s tickets “Marika” (Cave’s onto a theatre too – “Cads’ College” B.B.C.). Phil and I in Ford 8 with Kimbo on Heath. Phil rang up Hermione.
Friday 15th July 1938
Dullish.
Out with Alys to shops and Bank in Oxford Street. Did some sewing. Didn’t rest but machined organdie coatee all p.m. Alys had hair done. Helen and Tony Wilson to lunch. Dr James (Lady from Montana) to tea. Phil drove her home. I took Kimbo in Park, long walk. James Campbell to dinner. Alys and I to King’s Cross at 10, no boxes there. Phoned Colonel Badcock about Kimbo.
Sherrington
Saturday 16th July 1938
Fineish.
Packed (all of us). Alys and Dennis to King’s Cross for boxes and took Olive’s case. Lunch; a rest. At 3.15, we all off in Lincoln Zephyr to Sherrington via Salisbury. Coffee and chocolate biscuits: Yateley Common. Arrived Buchanan’s cottage about 6.45. Kit, Ed, Kath, George and Barbara there. Dinner (9 of us!). Out to River Wylye after. Phil and George in car. I with Barbara, Alys and Kit. Dennis, Edward and Kath talking in drawing-room.
Memo:
13th Phil to Chandler.
12th Phil x-ray.
15th Plymouth B.M.A.
16th All to Sherrington
12th Bertorelli’s 7 p.m. Jim Archer for Iolanthe.
Sunday 17th July 1938
Dullish. Mildish.
Sat about either in orchard or indoors, reading paper. Phil to river with George. Kath and Barbara drove over from Salisbury at 12. Dinner. Phil rested in orchard away. I on bed; also Kit and Dennis. Others outdoors. Ed and George away fishing. Tea. At 6.30, Dennis took Edward and Kit to Salisbury. Ed to London. George and Barbara off in George’s old car to London 6.15. Indoors after supper of trout.
Monday 18th July 1938
Fine. Lovely evening.
Breakfast 9. Kathy away 9. Kit made sandwiches. Alys packed. At 10.45 3 Embletons away to Chagford. Kit and I talked, and to Warminster. Lunch 2. Rests. Tea 4.30 (flowers to do). To Warminster again at 5 to meet Quits. Back and in garden. After dinner, walked down to the river and saw trout leaping.
Tuesday 19th July 1938
Dull. Perfect evening and afternoon.
Embletons on to Plymouth. Breakfast 9.35. Made beds. Picked peas and strawberries. Kit rested. Quits cooked Argentine chicken dish. Captain Greenough called. All rested in p.m. After lunch at 1.45 and Kit and Quits to Warminster. I up at 5 only and sat in garden. After tea (6) all drove to village to see Isabel Gordon and McIntyre (Almoners) in their charming cottage and garden. Dartboard for Mrs Gordon (Alassio) aged 82. To bed early.
Wednesday 20th July 1938
Perfect day. Hot and wind.
Breakfast 9.40. Architect came 10 o’clock. I took tennis prize to Rectory. Shelled peas. At 12.30. Charlie and Jim Archer arrived in Charlie’s car. Lunch 1.30. Then all to Boyton Manor for F. Quits, Charlie and Jim and I walked. Kit took the cases in car. Sir Sidney Herbert (invalid) spoke and Lady Cranbourne opened. We shot (rifles) and various shows. Teas. Dog show. Back at 7.30. Supper. Jim also as he forgot coat and came back for it. Kath at F and back to sleep at cottage.
Thursday 21st July 1938
Fine and warm.
Kit and I sat in orchard. Quits walked up hill and designed garden. Kit and she to Warminster. I changed frock. After lunch, Kit took me to Codford and I by 2.10 bus (1/6) to Salisbury. Did shopping for truffles and to Infirmary (Kath Almoner). She took me to tea with her and Ethel Boldero!!! at her flat (Kath’s). Kit drove me to Sherrington, and stayed night. Quits showed us truffles making. Walked down village in evening. Thatching. Army tanks or aircraft at night.
Friday 22nd July 1938
Very warm. Short sleeved frock.
Looked at Quits’ drawings. Kit and Kath with her to Codford and saw her off 12.10. Lunch 1.30. I painted cottage from car – floor. Kit and I to meet Ed at Codford 5.30. He didn’t come. Took Lady Fane’s grand-daughter to Codford Manor. Edward and George arrived in George’s car 7.30. Dined and down to river afterwards (George). Alys phoned from Salisbury.
London
Saturday 23rd July 1938
Hot. Fine.
Up early and packed before breakfast. At 10.30, Embleton’s came in Lincoln Zephyr. I away with them. Picnic. Lunch and Phil rested before and after. By small roads to avoid crowd and had tea on lawn at Skindles, Maidenhead 2/6 each. Arrived 4 Cambridge Gate about 7. Dried haddock and poached eggs. Florence and Kimbo.
Memo:
Rent to Miss Pickin paid to 21st.
25th 11.15 Dr Hobhouse
F – Dinton, Isobel Gordon’s village
Sunday 24th July 1938
Hot and fine.
Wrote Kitty and E.V.M. Unpacked. Alys wrote Aunt Bella and Gwen Cave. I took Kimbo in Park. Phil and Alys out in their cards. Phil took me to Zoo gate. Rests in p.m. Phil to Richmond in his car and took Helen Lomax to tea at place on Mole, near Weybridge. Alys, Dennis and I out to Heath with Kimbo. After tea, and round Park. Phil home 7.30. Supper. “Are you Sure”. To bed 9.45.
Monday 25th July 1938
Hot and fine.
Took Kimbo in Park. Phil with Tony Wilson to Tonbridge match at Lords. Met Alys and to 18 Harley Street to see Dr Neill Hobhouse (2nd visit). He refused 2nd fee and was very nice. “Nerve cells” in protest? To Selfridge’s. In p.m. rest. Tony to lunch and tea. Paul Davis to tea and dinner. I to R.B.A Art Club. Hot, so away soon and back by 7 o’clock.
Tuesday 26th July 1938
Fine. Hot.
Wrote Ella. Alys and Phil in Phil’s car. Phil to have hair-cut. Selfridge’s. I walked (with Kimbo) to 77 King Henry’s Road and back. Rene and Judith to tea. I had it up in Phil’s room, as he stayed upstairs. Dolly and John Willis after dinner. Stayed till 11.50. I to bed 9.40. Phil 9.30.
Wednesday 27th July 1938
Fineish, mild.
(Stye began). (Crookes). With Dennis to Lab to get Collasol Argentum opthalmic for my eye. Walked on to Woolworth’s and Bank and Evans and to Park with Kimbo. Packed, and rested in p.m. Alys packed. After tea, I to Selfirdge’s with Kimbo for Dennis’ watch and Alys’ jockey cap brooch. Walked back. Dennis in very late. We had finished dinner. Alys read Child Psychlogy books for Eva in evening.
Richmond
Thursday 28th July 1938
Fine and warm and windy.
(Phil lunched with Dennis at Lab and Hermione Collard). Alys and I packed suitcases. In Phil’s car and started off at 10. Lunch up a lane before Stanford (new place). At Wetherby, got ginger beer. Stopped a little further for “tea”. Arrived Layton about 6.40. Blain in Hospital – appendicitis. Dinner. Phil arrived by Jubilee and was met by Barber in my Ford. Lamp smashed by Mrs Robertson. Bowls.
Friday 29th July 1938
Very windy and drizzle. Cold.
Stye still bad on my eyelid. About in garden with Alys. Got my car down and to East Layton in it, with Zeus. After lunch, Alys to Mrs Blain in to Darlington to see Blain. I on sofa. Phil in hut, and top room. Alys only back 5.15. I put car away. Wrote Ford’s Hotel for room for Aunt Bella. Monopoly in evening until 10.15. Phil won.
Saturday 30th July 1938
Gale. Mild.
Gale. Glass broke in kitchen door. Out with Zeus to fetch paper, by road with leash and in garden. Alys to Darlington at 2 to shops and meet Dennis. I mended pane. Dennis and Alys only back about 5.30. Train very late (over an hour). Dennis had tea. In garden. Dinner. Alys did my stye with hot wooden spoon. Read in evening. Sent off parcel to Kit with gardening (flower) scissors.
Memo:
27th To Layton
29th Dennis to Layton
25th11.15 Hobhouse
30th Post present to Kit for 1st
Sunday 31st July 1938
Fine on whole.
Cutting off dead flowers. Phil and Alys walked to little quarry. Dennis in top room doing sleepers. Alys and Dennis to visit Blain (in Phil’s car). I read paper and rested. Dennis doing work for Phil in top room. All did “Are you Sure” in sitting-room.
Monday 1st August 1938
Perfect day.
Phil rested by ponds. Various croquet records. Alys and Phil. Dennis rested in p.m. Alys did up books for Eva. Phil and Alys walked to reservoir at 5. I in my car to Scotch Corner with letters (Ella). All in garden after dinner. Croquet records.
Tuesday 2nd August 1938
Dullish. Warm.
Stye opened in night – 6th night. Alys and Dennis in Phil’s car to Darlington and Dennis away by Jubilee. Phil and I did goldfish tank. Rested on sofa in p.m. Did grass on place outside Phil’s hut. Croquet records. Alys and Phil round in 30. “Monopoly” in evening. Phil won by 9.20! Pyk-a-styx till 10.
Wednesday 3rd August 1938
Fine and warm.
Wrote Aunt Bella. Did a lot of weeding on rock garden. Phil in top room and records. He and Alys round croquet course in 29. With Zeus for Times. Rests in p.m. After tea, Phil and I in car and then walked on to Square Plantation. Alys wrote Dennis. “Monopoly” in evening. Dull and until 10.15. Stye core came away.
Thursday 4th August 1938
Very fine. Warm.
Alys and I in top room, sorting out old pictures. Phil up there too. After lunch, Alys and I to Richmond. Tea. All up in top room and ran 2 of Phil’s engines. Did some weeding later on. Monopoly in evening. I won! Letter to Alys from Eva with snaps of J.F.B.
Friday 5th August 1938
Rain in p.m. and fog.
In my car to Ravensworth with Zeus. Got stamps. Alys and I to Darlington at 2.30 with Mrs Blain. Shopped and I in to Hospital to see Blain for 15 minutes. Rain and then fog. After dinner, Alys and Phil in Phil’s car to meet Dennis at Darlington by Jubilee. Phil driving both ways.
Saturday 6th August 1938
Fog. Then very warm and muggy.
Dennis put door closer on dining-room door. I cutting off roses. Alys and I in my car to Richmond in p.m. Got Phil’s leather coat. Dennis, Phil and Alys ran 2 engines after tea. I in rose garden. Very hot. Monopoly in evening. I got very rich, but Phil won.
Memo:
2nd Dennis to London by Jubilee.
Bank Holiday post went from Scotch Corner at 6.40
Sunday 7th August 1938
Close. Grey.
Phil and Dennis in top room. Phil rested out of doors above the steps. Gardening. Zeus sick rabbit bones. Alys busy machining curtains for yellow room. Phil walked along East Layton Road and Alys in his car to pick him up. Teaching Zeus not to come. Zeus exhausted by hunting. “Are you sure” in evening.
Monday 8th August 1938
Very close. Rain early.
Flowers. Alys took Dennis to Jubilee train in my car (rainy). Phil and I for walk in fields with Zeus. In p.m. Alys and I to Darlington (she in Phil’s car to have brake adjusted). In my car. Able to bring both cars back. Tea. Alys and Phil out in car and Helen and Tony Wilson arrived at 5. Tea for them. Gardened. Phil and Tony in billiard room in evening.
Tuesday 9th August 1938
Dull and close. Cool evening.
Phil and Tony in Phils’ car took Alys to Darlington for the Jubilee. Electrician all day doing engine, running and mending centre light in sitting-room. Tony for walk with Ozzy. Helen washed and ironed. Sweet peas after tea. Boys in top room and they in billiard-room after dinner.
Wednesday 10th August 1938
Warm. Sunny afternoon.
Phil and I to Darlington, he to Fothergill for x-ray. I to Cox-Walker. Also got slop-pail 4.3. (chipped). Cut out mauve blouse in p.m. Helen and I picked masses of sweet peas after tea. All played Monopoly in evening till about 10.
Thursday 11th August 1938
Hot and fine.
Phil in top room a lot. Tony also doing protector corner to track. Helen and I to Richmond, for shopping in my car. I ironed blouse; and in p.m. and worked on new blouse. Helen by ponds and I also after tea, and went to see Mrs Blain. After dinner, all played vindictive croquet and then Gilbert & Sullivan records till 10.
Friday 12th August 1938
Thunderstorms.
Phil heard from Mitch and phoned Alys about appointment. Tony rolled lawn. Thunderstorm. In p.m. Helen and Tony to Darlington for Helen’s hair and took Mrs Blain to hospital. I picked flowers, between heavy showers after dinner, at 8. Phil and I (with Barber) in Armstrong to Darlington to meet Alys and Aunt Bella by Jubilee. Phil drove both ways.
Saturday 13th August 1938
Very cold and grey all day.
Aunt Bella in bed to breakfast. Most of day indoors. Stroll round garden and greenhouses with Alys and me. Phil rested on path outside hut. Dennis arrived in Zephyr at 5.15 with Lab goldfish. Men billiard room after dinner. We patience games (Aunt Bella, Alys, Helen and I).
Memo:
8th Phil negative
39 days from 10th
10th Aunt Bella here?
12th Dennis back from George Hostel, Bangor.
9th Alys to London
8th Gave Dennis £1.0.0 and Alys £1.0.0.
Sunday 14th August 1938
Fine day.
Aunt Bella in bed to breakfast. At 10.15 Alys drove her to Roman Catholic Church, and fetched her again, and drove round by Forcett. I did flowers a bit. Slept on bed in p.m. Mr Brown from Dunsa Bank came and in top room. Aunt Bella and I sat in garden a bit and walked round by wood and garage. Patience in evening.
Monday 15th August 1938
Dullish. Some sun.
Alys up and drove Aunt Bella to Roman Catholic Church 8.30! (Assumption of Virgin Fete Day). I fetched her at 9. Helen a cold, up and in garden but meal upstairs. Rests in p.m. Alys to Darlington for stools in Phil’s car. After tea, I drove Aunt Bella to Richmond. Shops. Back at 6.45. Men in billiard-room and we played patience.
Tuesday 16th August 1938
Dullish. Windy.
Helen in bed all day. About garden with Aunt Bella picking off dead flowers. After rests, Aunt Bella, writing letters and Alys to tea at Mr Booth’s (Miss Booth and goats). “Mitch” (Squadron Leader Mitchell) flew from Peterboro’ and over here, and Phil and Dennis to fetch him from Catterick in Lincoln Zephyr. All men up doing locomotives. Patience in evening. Phil, Dennis, Mitch and Tony in billiard-room.
Wednesday 17th August 1938
Fine on whole, windy.
Alys drove Aunt Bella and me to Richmond in Lincoln Zephyr shops. Men in top room. Rested and Aunt Bella rested in bachelor room. After tea, Aunt Bella, Alys and I picked sweet peas. Men all day upstairs, improvised lathe. Phil only rested 1 hour after lunch and ½ hour before? And to bed 10.30.
Thursday 18th August 1938
Windy. Grey.
Helen down after breakfast to all meals. Dennis drove Mitch to Catterick aerodrome and he off to Peterboro’ on Instruction air-craft. Alys and Phil to Darlington for Jubilee. Phil to London, alone. I with Aunt Bella to Ravensworth and East Layton. Rests in p.m. (I on Alys’ sofa). She with Tony in my car to Richmond for the springs to be oiled. Alys took Aunt Bella to Electric Plant and Granary after tea. Dennis in top-room. All put on best frocks; Aunt Bella “robe de Dennis”.
Friday 19th August 1938
Sunny. Showers – rainbow.
Zeus and I to Aldbro’ for meat at 10 a.m. Out getting flowers with Aunt Bella (tall ones). Wrote Kit and Mrs Roefs. All p.m. waiting for Helen and Tony to depart. Took snaps of house. Tea at 4. They went at 5. Alys and I with Aunt Bella to Ravensworth, (posted train to Eva). Abbey Bridge – rainbow. Alys and Dennis to Darlington after dinner to fetch Phil from Jubilee.
Saturday 20th August 1938
Uncertain.
Round garden. Aunt Bella wrote to Eva and I did too. After tea, I drove with Aunt Bella to Richmond for park-plug and on to Marske and back by Whashton at 6.40. Patience in full evening dress, and to billiard-room later, and to bed 9.30.
Memo:
16th “Mitch” flying up with engine
17th Phil to Chandler. Altered to 18th
18th 4 weeks rent due.
Sunday 21st August 1938
Sun and showers.
Dennis took Aunt Bella to church. 10.30 and brought her back. All up in top-room seeing 2 engines run. Out sitting in hot sun in Phil’s hut. Rested and slept in p.m. Picked roses – Alys, Aunt Bella and I. Took cars up and wiped them. Patience in evening. Aunt Bella painy.
Monday 22nd August 1938
Fine, showery.
Aunt Bella very sick all night. Stayed in bed but up at 12. To bed again later. ALys took Mrs Cooper to Richmond. Mr Clark (Haltwhistle) to see Dennis in p.m. Alys to Richmond again and got tool for Phil’s car. Alys gave Aunt Bella agarol with calonel in it and we put night-stool in her room.
Tuesday 23rd August 1938
Fine. No rain. Cool.
Aunt Bella only tea in a.m. and nothing else until 8.30 (custard). Alys to Richmond. I rested on sofa. Mr and Miss Booth to tea. Aunt Bella got up and round garden with them. Phil doing his car. Dennis and Alys to Darlington to meet Captain O’Sullivan by Jubilee.
Wednesday 24th August 1938
Foggy. Dull.
Alys and Phil to Darlington for coil for Phil’s car. Dennis taking Captain O’Sullivan about. Aunt Bella not down to meals, marmite at 7.30 p.m. Tea 5. Men working at Phil’s car and put it right. Dennis in it with O’Sullivan to Barnard Castle. Alys and I in Lincoln Zephyr to Barnard Castle for extra grouse. Sat on seat by Phil’s pond after tea. Zeus to worm.
Thursday 25th August 1938
Misty. Mildish.
Alys and Dennis took Captain O’Sullvan to Jubilee train. I wrote to Eva. Alys to Richmond later, and again in p.m. I slept on bed. Aunt Bella gave me her black gauged frock. I played Slosh with Phil. Dennis’ instep stung.
Friday 26th August 1938
Misty. Mild.
Dennis Royal Society of Medicine paper came. I to Darlington with Phil in his car, got sole for Aunt Bella. Aunt Bella down in garden and to lunch. Alys and I to Catterick Camp to fetch H.T. battery for Phil’s wireless. Dennis and Phil played Slosh. Patience in evening. I to bed before others.
Saturday 27th August 1938
Sunny. Warmer.
Aunt Bella still no appetite. Dennis made templates. Alys to Richmond in Phil’s car for shopping. Phil outside in sun. Aunt Bella down 12.20 and we walked in garden. Sunny. Rests in p.m. Aunt Bella had mutton-chop and beans and grapes and marmite in evening. I did oats and flowers. Alys mended big wireless and we listened-in to Queens Hall concert. Patience. Zeus’ eye watering.
Memo:
22nd Aunt Bella’s wedding day.23rd Mr and Miss Booth.
23rd Dennis said some man for night – Captain O’Sullivan.
28th Dr Fothergill to tea.
29th To Mr Badcock, 44 Duke Street 11.2nd O
Sunday 28th August 1938
Rain all day.
Alys ironed Aunt Bella’s nightgown. I sewed tucker in her frock. Dennis and Phil in top room. Dr Fothergill to tea and showed us his coloured photographs – Venice and Swiss and told about “Swissair” travel and air voyage across Alps to Turin. Slosh and Patience in evening.
Monday 29th August 1938
Dull.
Alys and I in Phil’s car to Darlington at 11. I to see Mr Badcock, who altered my plate, as tooth broken off. To shops and back by 1 o’clock. Alys took Blain to Barningham in p.m. Rests. I to Richmond alone after tea – chemist’s. Aunt Bella’s tonic and my film. Alys and Aunt Bella to call on Blains. Patience and Slosh. Aunt Bella began tonic at dinner.
Tuesday 30th August 1938
Lovely views.
Dennis fruit day. I in car with Zeus to East Layton. Aunt Bella round kitchens. In garden for flowers. Alys had sharp lumbar pains. Strain? Very painful, but kept going. In garden in p.m. with Aunt Bella again. Slosh and patience in evening. Ozzy very suffering with chest swollen.
Wednesday 31st August 1938
Fine then rain.
Dennis fruit again. I drove into Richmond alone (meeting soldiers all way). Fetched my snapshots of house, Bank and Metatex and iron. Ozzy still bad so Alys and Dennis took him to vets in Darlington at 2.10 (vets out 2.30). I put Phil’s car away (rain) and rested on sofa. Picked sweet peas in rain at 5.30. Aunt Bella only out in a.m. when fine. She changed to her “Dennis dress” in evening. Patience and Slosh.
Thursday 1st September 1938
Showery. Cold.
In garden. Phoned Mr Badcock about appointment. Alys to Richmond. I drove Aunt Bella and Alys to East Layton (over Post Office) and to Aldboro’. Got steak. Slosh and Patiences in evening and News.
Friday 2nd September 1938
Finer, cold.
Hilda and Doris gave notice. Alys to Richmond and took Blain to Gilling. I with Aunt Bella picking flowers. Wrote Kit. Dennis in garden with Barber in p.m. Olive also gave notice! Alys called on Mrs Ireland. After tea, Alys and Aunt Bella and I in Lincoln Zephyr over heather by Marske. Lovely drive. Patiences and Slosh and News in evening.
Saturday 3rd September 1938
Dull. Cool.
Dennis fruit day again. Alys and I in Ford 8 to Darlington. To King’s and then Binns’ for rug for Aunt Bella and then 44 Duke Street at 12, where Mr Badcock gave me gas and pulled out stump of tooth. All over by 12.7! Alys drove me straight home. Rest. Lunch and sleep after. Tea. Alys took Aunt Bella to Richmond and camp. I read papers. Dennis and Phil Slosh in evening. Phil sad about his tender warping.
Memo:
3rd 12 o’clock To Badcock for stump to be extracted.
2nd Wrote Colonel Badcock with cheque.
Dennis 2 fruit days 30th and 31st and 3rd
Began 1st dose Metatox and Iron 31st evening.
2nd Doris, Hilda and Olive gave notice.
Sunday 4th September 1938
Fineish. Dullish. Cool.
Alys took Aunt Bella to her Church 10.30. I fetched her from it 11. Rests in p.m. And after tea, Dennis took Aunt Bella. Alys and me to Bowes, Tan Hill (highest Inn in England). Arkengarthdale, Reeth and back (“Whaw” too). Evening as usual.
Monday 5th September 1938
Warm. Dull.
Alys and Phil to Darlington at 10.15 to Fothergill for x-ray. Aunt Bella and I in garden for roses and Aunt Bella arranged flowers. Champagne for lunch for all. Healths. Rests. Aunt Bella packing up and tea upstairs. Phil showed stamps to Aunt Bella. Slosh and Patience.
Tuesday 6th September 1938
Misty. Mild.
All of us in Lincoln Zephyr to see Aunt Bella and Alys off by Jubilee train. To Binns for present for Doris 8/11 writing case. To Badcock 11.15. Dennis and Phil to Kings and fetched Ozzy from Vets. Back with Ozzy by 12.15. Read in p.m. on sofa. Expected Clark to lunch but he came to tea (Haltwhistle). In top-room and garden and Debby’s grave. Slosh and Patience. (Tony Wilson phoned from Appleby). Me alone! News. (Alys phoned at 8.30 from London).
Wednesday 7th September 1938
Showery. Cool.
I drove to Richmond, asbestos, photo-cards. Phil took both dogs walk. Dennis assembling his bridge. In p.m. I read on sofa. Helped Dennis with bridge after tea. Sewed mauve blouse. After dinner, Dennis and Phil to Darlington in Lincoln Zephyr to meet Alys and James Campbell by Jubilee.
Thursday 8th September 1938
Perfect day.
Dennis in garden with James. I painted house (continued from sketch begun with Lois). After lunch, Dennis and Alys had talk with Coopers about getting couple. Plantains. Rest. Fetched Times. Picked sweet peas. Helen and Tony arrived 6.30. Dennis, Phil and James in top room. After dinner, men in relays in billard-room. Alys and I Patience, and Helen talked and talked through it. To bed 10.15.
Friday 9th September 1938
Fine day.
Painted nearly all a.m. Dennis all day doing bridge. Rested on bed in p.m. 3 – 4. James shot rabbits. To East Layton with Alys (dropping James and Phil at corner). Ford 10 wouldn’t go. Pushed it back, with Tony and electrician from Cox Walker. Picked flowers and did two vases. To bed early. Hermione phoned. James and Phil billiards, Dennis a little time.
Saturday 10th September 1938
Very perfect day.
James and Phil to Richmond with Phil’s car to Cruddace’s (carburettor cleaned). Alys and I in Lincoln Zephyr and Phil and James home in it. We sat in gardens and back in Ford 10, when it ready 12.30. Rested. Dennis in ponds in boots. Alys slight cold. She and I in Lincoln Zephyr to get petrol, round by Dalton to Smallways. Alys and I did nothing in evening. Dennis, Phil and James slosh.
Memo:
6th Clark to lunch
Phil’s x-ray. Alys and Aunt Bella to London
7th Aunt Bella to Brussels.
7th Doris Dent’s 21st birthday
8th Aunt Bella’s month up.
30 days from 10th August including 10th.
Crisis weekend. What will Hitler say?
Czecho-Slovakia
Sunday 11th September 1938
Dull, then finer. Warm.
Dennis finished lines to go on bridge. Alys packed. I picked flowers and wrote Colonel Badcock and Aunt Bella. At 1 o’clock, Betty and Mary Chase and Bill. All to dinner 1 o’clock. At 2.50, Alys and Dennis away in Lincoln Zephyr to London. Phil and I rested. After tea, others all seeing coal-fired engine run. James burnt his thumb. After supper, Mary took Bill to Darlington (off to Carlisle). Did “Are you Sure”.
Monday 12th September 1938
Perfect. Hot sun.
Phil took Chase girls and James on moors and Helwith. I to Richmond. Bought 2 cans petrol, shorts for Arnold Blain. Rested. Others croquet. Tea. The Chase girls away to Leeds at 5.30 or so. I listened in Hitler speaking at Nuremburg 7 till 7.30 and again after dinner 8.15 – 8.30. Phil and James in top room after dinner. I read and crossword.
Tuesday 13th September 1938
Fine and warm.
Phil and James and I to Darlington in Ford 10 and they off by Jubilee. We took Ozzy to vets (worms). I shopped and to Badcock 11.30. Drove back to Layton. Lunch. Rest on sofa. Tea. Put primulas on Debby’s grave. Sewed and read papers. Dinner. Sewed and listened-in. News of rioting in Czechs by Sudetens.
Wednesday 14th September 1938
Very dull and cold.
Tried to start my car – couldn’t. Barber did. Took Mrs Cooper to Richmond. Bought coat for Arnold Blain, calsalettes, rhinitis and tinned foods (for war!) Back. Lunch. Washed blouse. Rested. Wrote Alys, Dennis and Bank for £18. Tea. Picked flowers. Ironed blouses and listened to News at 6. Dinner. Barbara to Darlington in Armstrong to meet Phil and Hermione Collard by Jubilee.
Thursday 15th September 1938
Fineish.
Chamberlain flying to see Hitler. Phil to Richmond with Hermione. I painted house. Wrote Ella. In p.m. wrote advertisements for 4 papers and to East Layton in Phil’s car with Hermione to get 4 postal orders to enclose. Listened in to 6 o’clock news. All played bowls on billiard-table. Phil to engine house about electrical engine.
Friday 16th September 1938
Rain and cold.
Wrote Kit. Took Mrs Cooper to Richmond and had Arctic oil put in Ford 8. At 2.15 I took Blain to Dr Thomson’s at Barningham. Wrote Alys. Short rest. Picked flowers. Very dark. Listened-in to 6 and 9.40 news. Phil showed Hermione his stamp collection. Phil ran red engine after tea.
Saturday 17th September 1938
Very dull. Mild.
To Richmond. Phil took Hermione to Barnard Castle. All p.m. I was doing flowers, looking after bedrooms. Tea. Hermione very late. Phil put our cars away. At 6.15 or so Diana Galbraith arrived with her fiancé, John Richmond, in car. All walked garden and greenhouses. Dinner. Did question in “Am I?” book. To bed 9.45.
Memo:
13th 11.30 Badcock. Phil to London.
Galbraith and fiance 17th
15th wrote Ella, Eva
13th my 59th birthday
16th cancelled “Mirror” at Austin’s
14th Phil to Chandler 11.45
16th Mitch 15th Rent paid to 14th. Pickin. 8 weeks from 2nd July.
Anxious about War???
Sunday 18th September 1938
Dull, damp.
Breakfast 8 o’clock. Diana and John off to Aberdeen at 8.45. Long morning. Hermione up reading Punch’s with Phil in top room. Rested on Alys’ sofa. After tea, Hermione for walk with Phil. I took dogs for rabbiting. Then Hermione and I picked flowers for her to take away. After supper, all 3 played Pick-a-Styx. Plague of flies; my hot bottle leaked.
Monday 19th September 1938
Rain and cool.
Before breakfast, Phil got his car and put hood. Breakfast 8 o’clock. At 8.30, Hermione and I to Darlington. We saw Hermione off 9.8. To King’s, while I ordered tools for Phil’s birthday. In top-room, clearing out pictures. At 4 o’clock, Mitch and his wife arrived with caravan. Tea. Top-room. Mitch shot rabbits. Talked, after dinner, till 9.30. To bed.
Tuesday 20th September 1938
Very damp and cool. Mist. Showers.
Mrs Mitch up in top-room with Mitch and Phil most of a.m. Mitch shot rabbits. I picked flowers and arranged them. Talked over applications from couple with Phil and all p.m. I was writing answers to them and after tea, till post-times. Wrote Alys too and sent letters. Did crossword with Mrs Mitchell. We all did Telegraph crossword n evening. I phoned Alys, asking her to come on Thursday. Phil inoculation.
Wednesday 21st September 1938
Warmer. Dull.
About garden and getting Times. Mitch and Phil busy. After lunch Mrs Mitch away to Middlesborough. Mitch took her in his Rover and came back about 6. I in Ford 8 with Zeus, East Layton Post Office. Phil took Ozzy out. Mitch shot rabbits. Mitch in top room 9 p.m. till 11.30 p.m. Phil sent sputum.
Thursday 22nd September 1938
Dullish, mild. Rain in evening.
Read and answered other letters. Took Mrs Cooper to Richmond; came back alone. Got silver sand and 4 newspapers. Read on sofa. Did flowers. Phil and I in Ford 8 to meeting Alys by Jubilee. Back with her, and Phil in top room with Mitch till 10. Alys and I talked downstairs. Left Ford 8 out all night.
Friday 23rd September 1938
Very mild. Dull.
Took my car (difficult to start) and Alys drove us to Durham. Interviewed the Maddisons’s at 44 Front Street, Browney Colliery, Near Croxdale (`Solvins). Lunch Durham (Carrick’s). Wire at Post Office and on to Newcastle to see James Brander and wife 4.45. Talked in car. Drove home, and back by 7.30 exactly. Mitch and Phil in Mitch’s Rover to meet Dennis by Jubilee. News 9.40. Grave.
Saturday 24th September 1938
Dull, mild.
Mitch and Dennis and Phil in top room. I in garden and talking with Alys and listening in to News various times. Wrote the Branders and Alys and Phil for walk. Mitch and Dennis in billiard room in evening and down to hear news 9.40.
Memo:
23rd Chamberlain seeing Hitler again at Godsborg.
Peace Hopes Vanishing
Sunday 25th September 1938
Perfect day. Hot.
I painted picture of Manor all a.m. Dennis and Mitch and Phil in top-room. After dinner, talked and at 4 o’clock, Mitch away. After tea (outdoors), Dennis and Alys to see Blain; Phil and I in his car to Mickleton (near Middleton in Teesdale). Lovely drive. Supper. “Are you sure”. News.
Monday 26th September 1938
Mist then very fine.
Alys, Mrs Cooper and I all in Ford 10 to Rochester, Near Otterburn. About 70 miles. Then to Mrs Waitt’s, Green House and saw the Branders about post here. Lunch at Otterburn Hotel, near burn. Car stopped near Staindrop. Phil phoned for and came out in Ford 8. Listened in to News. Graver; and to Hitler’s speech from Berlin.
Tuesday 27th September 1938
Misty. Some sun.
Alys, Phil and I to Richmond in Ford 8. Shopped. In p.m. I doing flowers. Alys to meet Barbara Buchanan 3.51 Darlington. Listened in to News 6 and in evening to Chamberlain’s speech, 8 p.m. and broadcast in 3 languages, plus English (also Roosevelt’s message to Hitler and Benes).
Wednesday 28th September 1938
Mist. Dull. Drizzly.
Phil’s 25th birthday. Alys and I in Ford 8 to Darlington and Alys off in Jubilee to London. I bought tinned food and things at Chemist’s, High Row. Back at 12.30. Read papers, and round glass-houses with Barbara after lunch. Wrote Pickin with rent. Phil talked about buying pigs to Cooper. Barbara and I to see Spruce about gas masks. Met Blain (5 p.m.) who told us the News of Conference to be held. 4 power. Rushed up to tell Phil in top room. All very happy at chance of peace. Evening in Phil’s gun-room.
29th Conference – Chamberlain, Hitler, Mussolini and Daladier
Thursday 29th September 1938
Mist, then very fine and warm.
Phil in top room. I in car with Barbara to Richmond. Talked to Foster about gas masks. Walked round castle. Sat in garden, read papers. Blain brought gas-masks for us to fit. Alys phoned 2 p.m. Barbara and I picked and arranged flowers. Tea. Phil took Barbara in his car to Tan Hill. We listened in in evening and I also to News in English from Germany 10.20.
Friday 30th September 1938
Dull.
Barbara and I in Ford 8 to Hutton Magna for oil, then she drove back through Caldwell. Phil in top room. After lunch, we picked flowers and Barbara arranged them – dahlias. Barbara and I listened in to Mr Chamberlain’s arrival at Heston 5.40 and News. After dinner, Phil, Barbara and I in Armstrong to meet Alys and Dennis by Jubilee 8.41. Back with them and listened-in News 9.40. To bed 10.30.
Saturday 1st October 1938
Dull.
Alys, Barbara and I to Richmond in Ford 8. Barbara did flowers in p.m. and I read papers. Alys took Barbara to Yarm, Middleton one row after tea. I finished flowers. All dressed for dinner and Dennis and Phil in billiard-room after and down for News at 9.40. Linda gave notice.
Memo:
27th Gas masks given out, London and Darlington.
29th Wrote Poz and Doz thanking for knife and basket.
Sunday 2nd October 1938
Dull. Showery and misty.
Read papers. Wound clocks and put them back. Helped Dennis with his bridge in p.m. Top room. Barbara in Top room and engines run. Cyril up there. “Are you sure” after supper and News at 6.40.
Monday 3rd October 1938
Gale. Very cold.
All in Armstrong to Darlington, and Phil and saw off Dennis, Alys and Barbara by Jubilee. Shopped, paint at Knott’s. In top room after tea with Phil running Mitch’s engine. Cyril and Kenneth. I painted bridge with red lead. Phil rested in bedroom till 9.20. Changed. News at 9 p.m.
Tuesday 4th October 1938
Gale. Milder.
Phil to electric saw. Logs sawed. Found tom-tit exhausted. Painted bridge red lead. Read in p.m. on sofa. Fetched Times. Got leaves from ponds. Picked up apples. Wrote Alys. Painted bridge and Cyril upstairs. Phil rested bedroom. Crossword and listened in News.
Wednesday 5th October 1938
Rain and sun.
(Phil cold inoculation).
Phil wrote Alys and Dennis. I into Richmond with Mrs Cooper. Had my hair cut 1/-. All p.m. getting leaves out of ponds (after making new fishing-net). After tea in top room painting bridge grey. Very tired, back aching! from work of p.m. To bed 9.30. Phil rested indoors 6.30 and gave himself staph injection.
Thursday 6th October 1938
Fine day.
Helped Phil and Blain with bees. Painted bridge grey. Phil doing water inlet for his tender. In p.m. leaves from ponds. Wrote Miss Pickin with 8 weeks rent to December 8th. Up in top room painting bridge. Listened in with Phil to vulgar variety and Flitch cross-examining in evening and news at 9. To bed 9.40.
Friday 7th October 1938
Very fine. Thunder after tea.
Fetched Times. Phil outdoors and I up in top room painting bridge all a.m. and again part of p.m. Second grey coat. John Heigham phoned and came to tea at 4.15. Phil 99 degrees (reaction for 2 inoculations). But 97.4 degrees later so came to Darlington, driving me in Armstrong and met Alys and Dennis by Jubilee.
Saturday 8th October 1938
Changeable.
Dennis and Phil mostly in top room. Alys and I fetched Times. In p.m. discussed duties of new couple, Brander. Wrote Ella and Mrs Harvey. Picked flowers. Listened in variety and News-Telegram came for Mitch – posting to Palestine.
Memo:
10th Leave Darlington 12.21 arrive Edinburgh 3.50
Sunday 9th October 1938
(no weather).
Packed suitcase. Got leaves out of ponds. At 3, Alys and I with Mrs Cooper arranged program of work for Branders. Opening of Dennis’ bridge in top room. 2 trains run. Read Uncle Ed Reid’s letters aloud to Alys 1998. “Are you Sure” after supper.
Edinburgh
Monday 10th October 1938
Very fine day.
All in Armstrong to Darlington. Dennis, Alys, Phil to London on Jubilee. I on with Blain to Mr Badcock’s 11 a.m. Then back to station and got 12.21 to Edinburgh. Sandwiches in train arrived 3.50. Taxi 2/0 to Ella’s, 17 Warriston Crescent. Tea. Saw over new home. All very nice. Maggie there. Supper. Listened in. News. To bed 9.50.
Tuesday 11th October 1938
Very fine. Sun.
Ella and I in car (tram) to Princes’ Street. Walked back along it and then I to take clock to East Register Street and home separately in trams. Rests in p.m. Slept. Tea. Effie called in. Supper 7.30. Listened in to News. To bed 10.
Wednesday 12th October 1938
Showers. Windy.
Indoors till about 12. I out to Bank for Ella, and also car to Princes’ Street to try and get a vase for Ella. No luck. Rests in p.m. After tea, Mary Bell in, until 7. Supper 7.30. talk and News. To bed 9.45.
Richmond
Thursday 13th October 1938
Warm. Changeable.
Sat and talked but at 12 out with Ella along road by Water of Leith. Very warm. Dinner (partridges from Robin). Rested. At 3.20 we walked to Loccie’s. Got suit-case. Away in taxi to Waverley. Train 5.10 to Darlington. Arrived 8.36. Met by Blain and waited for Jubilee 8.48. Alys and Phil arrived. All to Layton. Joy of Zeus and Ozzie.
Friday 14th October 1938
Fine.
Alys and I in my car to Darlington. Mr Badcock put in my dental plate with tooth added and stopped upper tooth. To King’s. Back. Doris Dent left. Olive left, after tea. Alys and Phil in Armstrong to meet Branders. Alys Phil and I all to dine at Morritt Arms Hotel (5/- each). Listened to News at 9.
Saturday 15th October 1938
Fine.
Mrs Cooper teaching Brander and Betty. Alys and I to Richmond. Changed cheque. Bought grey cotton coat for Brander 5/11/ Did leaves from ponds in p.m. Alys took apples to Blains. Phil outdoors. Mitch rang up in evening. We listened in to variety and News.
Memo:
10th 11 a.m. Badcock 44 Duke Street. £1.9.11
12.21 train to Edinburgh
13th Leave Edinburgh 5.10 Arrive Darlington 8.36
14th 11.30 Mr Badcock
Rent paid 77 King Henry’s Road till 13th
LKX 11.30 arrive 4.15.
Sunday 16th October 1938
Lovely day.
Picked and arranged flowers all a.m. Packed in p.m. Phil rested outdoors a.m. and p.m. Mitch arrived 4 o’clock. Alys and Phil picked flowers for me to take and out in dark, watching blind pulling by Branders. Mitch and Phil in top room. “Are you sure” in Phil’s bedroom at 6.45. Phil to bed 10.25. Mitch later.
London
Monday 17th October 1938
Fine. Mild.
Alys and I in Ford 8 to Darlington. I off by 11.20 to King’s Cross. Sandwiches on train. Arrived King’s Cross 4.10. Taxi to 4 Cambridge Gate. Florence and Kimbo on doorstep. Coffee. Unpacked. Wrote Alys. Dennis in at 8.35. Listened in to News from Florence’s set, while eating.
Tuesday 18th October 1938
Windy, dullish.
Out in car to Primrose Hill and let Kimbo out. To 77 King Henry’s Road. Got Coat. Back. Unpicked coat hem and made fur button and loop. In p.m. rested on bed. Slept. Ironed coat hem and sewed up. Put car away. Dennis in at 7.30 and out at 8.15 to a Pathology Section, Royal Society of Medicine. In at 10 or so.
Wednesday 19th October 1938
Fine.
In p.m. In car to Pancras Street, got “Coronation” posters (Zinkheisen) for Phil. On to Interoven shop for Bewty stoves and then Lewis’ for vase 3.6 for Ella’s birthday 4/3 with postage. In a.m. to Selfridges for fish then met Doz at 47 Wimpole. Took her to Chelsea and Teddy’s golf clubs to 23 Roland Gardens (Mrs Messiter going to Cairo). Rested on bed 3.45 – 7. Tea on bed. Dennis in about 8. Listened in and read and arranged K-H letters.
Thursday 20th October 1938
Fine.
Wrote to Aunt Bella. Walked to Park with Kimbo and back. Then tube to Piccadilly to Lilian for hair-doing. Back to lunch. Rested on bed. Wrote Ella. Dennis called for me 7.30 and he and the Heanley’s and I (in their car) to Bolivar; supper. Home to bed about 10.
Richmond
Friday 21st October 1938
Fine.
In car to my Bank and then Times Book Club and High Street. Put car away. Lunch. Rested. Tea. Dennis came 5 o’clock and we to King’s Cross. Jubilee train to Darlington. Dinner on train. Alys and Phil met us. Phil drove us out to Layton.
Saturday 22nd October 1938
Nice day.
Alys and I to Richmond and took Zeus! Got leaves up – by ponds. Rested on bed. Alys and Dennis walked to Ravensworth beck. Mr Booth to tea. Phil separate as Mr Booth slight cold. Sat in sitting-room and listened in to Variety and News.
Memo:
19th 11.10 47 Wimpole Street to meet Doz.
Sunday 23rd October 1938
Fine.
Did flowers. Dennis in top room with Phil in a.m. Dennis and I both had rests in p.m. Slept. After tea, Alys and I cut out armchair backs and arms in Czecho-Slov material (red, white and blue). “Are you sure” after supper.
London
Monday 24th October 1938
Fog and sunshine.
Dennis wired Lab to postpose. Phil drove us in Armstrong, which broke down and Dennis and I stopped a car and got a lift to Stoddart’s. Car from there 9/-. Great haste to Darlington but missed Jubilee by 2 minutes. 11.36 train to King’s Cross arrived 4.15. Lunch on train. Met by car and chauffeur. Dennis in to dinner and out again to Bulstrode at 8.45.
Tuesday 25th October 1938
Very foggy.
To Selfridge’s (dog biscuit) and on to China mender, Homer Street. Took Kimbo on lead in Park (so foggy). To lunch at Kitty’s. Away at 3. Home and rested on bed. Tea also; wrote to Alys. Dennis in about 8. Dinner and listened in, also to Chinese news till 10.30.
Wednesday 26th October 1938
Fine. Colder.
To shops, and then met Doz at 47 Wimpole. With her to Maritana, Welbeck Street about blouse for Poz. Then to 6 Elm Park Road. Lunch there (to King Hall’s first). Took Poz to Maritana to buy gold blouse, at 2.30. Home at 3. Read on sofa. Florence out. Got supper. Dennis in 8.10. Listened in. To bed 10 o’clock.
Thursday 27th October 1938
Dull. Cool.
Stove lighted in drawing room 1st time. To shops and then to Heath and Kimbo for walk. Back to lunch early and to Old Vic to see Hamlet with modern dress in entirety 1.45 – 6. 4¼ hours. Dennis rang up Alys about lost papers and Phil negative.
Friday 28th October 1938
Nice day.
To shops. Home. At 12 to Lois. We took Kimbo a walk on Heath. Lunch with Lois. Home and rested on bed. Dennis in 8.5. Very tired. I began “Rebecca”, Daphne Du Maurier.
Saturday 29th October 1938
Mildish.
To shops. Selfridges and Pancras Street about posters. In p.m. rested on bed. Dennis in 4.30. Shrimps for tea. Both read and listened in. To bed 1- o’clock.
Memo:
In “Hazardby” author of High Wind in Jamaica.
Sunday 30th October 1938
Drizzle and rain. Dark.
Wrote Alys. Dennis did too. We took Kimbo on Heath at 12. Rested in p.m. (I on sofa). Got tea 4.30. I took Kimbo out again. To Classic and saw “Barretts of Wimpole Street” Norma Shearer and Laughton and Fred March. Dennis to Bulstrode and back at 9.50 to supper.
Monday 31st October 1938
Dull. Damp.
Dennis feeling coldy. In in car to Sefridge’s and to 77 King Harold Road. Rest in p.m. and got up and to Haymarket 4 o’clock Cox and King’s to arrange for Eva’s sewing machine to be sent to Cairo. On to R.B.A. Art Club. Met Lois and saw New English Show. Back 6 o’clock (no club). Dennis in at 8.20. Coughed a lot all evening.
Tuesday 1st November 1938
Fine. Windy.
Out to Selfridge’s for fish and clock. Up to Kit’s at 12 and she and I on Heath, with Kimbo. Lunch with her. Home. Cox & King’s called for Eva’s machine. I wrote Eva and Alys. Rested (slept). Waffles for tea. Florence made them with my iron. Washed grey jumper coat (Viennese). Dennis wrote Alys about Clem (appointment 2.30 and 3). Pears came.
Wednesday 2nd November 1938
Fineish.
To shops, and met Doz at 47 Wimpole. Back to Chelsea, via Sloane Street for flowers. Lunch with Poz and Doz (Doz’s birthday). Away 2.15 and to Barker’s to look at Viennese blouses. Home. Florence out. Ironed grey jumper and sewed front. Dennis in at 8.29 and dinner and out again after (he had given his talk to insurance doctors in p.m.)
Thursday 3rd November 1938
Fineish.
To Park and shops, and then took Kimbo home and on to Sissie’s by 12. Stayed lunch 1, and came away at 2.5. Home and rested on bed. Tea. Wrote Alys. Long phone call from Kit about Jim’s health. Washed stockings and gloves.
Friday 4th November 1938
Warm.
Alys letter saying still not well inside. To shops, Selfridge’s and Park with Kimbo. Very warm and sat on seat. Arranged zip in black jersey. Rested all p.m. fire went out. Tea on bed. Dennis phoned Alys at lunch time and me, after. Alys rang up in evening. Better.
Richmond
Saturday 5th November 1938
Very warm and fine.
Alys phoned at 9.30. I packed suitcase and to King’s Cross (in Ford with man from Mostyn’s). Queen of Scots train 11.20 (Pullman) sandwiches and grapefruit square. Arrived Darlington 3.51. Phil met me. Out to Layton. Tea. In top-room and also unpacked. (Phil had driven Alys on to York to take a train to London in a.m.). We ran Mitch’s engine. Listened-in and to bed at 9.50.
Memo:
2nd Doz’s birthday and lunch there. Dennis’ lecture.
3rd to Sissie’s 12 o’clock and lunch
L.K.X. 11.20 arrive Darlington 3.51
Sunday 6th November 1938
Very warm and fine. 69 degrees.
Phil put new bamboo to fishing net. I took Zeus a drive, by Forcett, and out at quarry. Perfect views. Phil took Ozzy a walk. Both rested outside in sun all p.m. I on deck chair. Wrote Alys letter card. Leaves from pond. Did “Are you Sure” after supper. News.
Monday 7th November 1938
Still very warm.
Talk to Mrs Cooper about Brander. Phil and I to Richmond. Fetched magneto. In garden, picking flowers. On sofa in p.m. Helped Phil give sugar to bees. Took apples to Blain’s. Tested Achilles engine.
Tuesday 8th November 1938
Very fine.
Picked flowers. Phil doing engine boiler; very difficult. Swept top-room of shavings, leaves and emptied water-cans from big can. Listened-in in evening.
Wednesday 9th November 1938
Fog then perfect. Sunny and warm.
Very foggy, so Phil and I started 9.30 in his car, for Darlington. He away by Jubilee 10.42. I to shop for ply-wood and to Knott’s for varnish and paste and glue. Black wool at Binn’s and muslin. Stiff Bainbridger. Home by 12.30. Out all p.m. picking flowers. Lovely. Sewed after tea and listened-in. Lord Mayor’s Banquet Chamberlain speech.
Thursday 10th November 1938
Fine. Cooler.
Drove into Richmond. Petrol at Cruddall’s and upper-cylinder oil in, too. On through Catterick and Catterick Bridge to Stoddart’s for “Arctic” oil for Armstrong. Picked lots of antirrhinums. Out with dogs in p.m. and put flowers in water. Wrote Ella.
Friday 11th November 1938
Mild, dull.
Out all a.m. picking and then arranging flowers. At 2 o’clock talk with the Branders re the work (one month’s trial). Out in garden. Quick dinner and to Darlington with Blain in Armstrong. Met Alys, Dennis and Phil 8.42.
Saturday 12th November 1938
Very mild.
Gale in night. Out in garden and good bit. Mild. Phil answering Address letters. Dennis rested in p.m. I on sofa. Talks with Alys. Dennis going over his papers in Netley box. Upstairs. Dennis and Phil billiards in evening. News of terrible Jewish pogrom in Germany.
Memo:
10th Wrote Ella
8th Sending in R.S.P.P.
9th Phil to Chandler 4.45 and to Cleminson’s 100 Harley Street 2.25. I to King’s Cross for 10 a.m. train. Arrive Darlington 2.22.
Sunday 13th November 1938
Dull, very mild. Short showers.
Phil, at breakfast said he felt cold beginning in night. Stayed in all a.m. and after dinner, went to bed for rest of day. Dennis divided gentians. I did leaves from pond. Dennis made list of his published papers all p.m. Phil slept, but normal. Tea and supper in bed. All in his room and did “Are you sure” after supper. Alys began diarrhoea again.
Monday 13th November 1938
Lovely day.
Dennis away with Blain and Armstrong by Jubilee. Phil moved into big room bay window, for day. He felt very ill, and sore throat and larynx. Inhaled Friar’s Balsam. 99.8 at 6 but miserable. Got happier when temperature taken. Fire in bedroom and I knitted there and Alys sat and knitted too but ate only custard all day. Dennis telephoned.
Tuesday 14th November 1938
Lovely day. Hot sunshine.
Alys felt so painy (and diarrhoea all night) that she stayed in bed all day, and ate nothing. Phil 98.8 in a.m. and 100 at 6 p.m. I with Mrs Cooper in Richmond. Got emulsion. Phil’s cough bad in a.m. but better later. Alys and Phil slept in p.m. Phil stayed in big room. Listened in – “Under 20 Club”. Dennis phoned. I answered.
Wednesday 16th November 1938
Fine. Sunny.
Alys orange juice and a hot bath. Phil shaved 98. I took dogs out in field. Bullfinch in. Alys orange juice all day and enema at 6.45. Phil much better and less cough. Temperature 98.8 at 6. Alys not feeling right inside. “Done” after enema. Dennis phoned. I answered. Alys in bed.
Thursday 17th November 1938
Mild and fine.
Phil headache but only 98.6 at 6 p.m. To Richmond for crate of oranges – (100 for 21/-). In p.m. Blain took Ozzy to vets. I phoned them (worms). Rested on sofa in sitting room. Sewed in Alys’ room. Wireless. Kitty phoned from Edinburgh. Dennis phoned.
Friday 18th November 1938
Mild. Gale in p.m.
Alys down to breakfast, but not right. Phil normal. Boil on upper lip. Wired Kitty at Edinburgh (St Andrew’s Hotel). Picked flowers. Washed chair backs and with Alys ironed them. Alys ate all meals and about; not quite right inside and sweet taste. Dennis phoned. Alys answered.
Saturday 19th November 1938
Sunny. Showers.
Alys off by 10.27 train (with Blain in Ford 8 at 9.45). I got flowers in rooms. Sent Blain to Richmond for Phil’s medicaments at 11.30, when he returned from Darlington. I lunch 12.30 and in Ford 8 at 1 to Darlington to meet Kitty (from Edinburgh) at 1.30. Drove out here; both rested. Tea. In Phil’s bedroom a bit. Listened-in Variety, Western Bros and news after. Phil still in bed all day. Dinner. Alys and Dennis phoned 8.15.
Sunday 20th November 1938
Cold mist. Thick.
Kit and I out around garden and houses. In Phil’s room a bit. Rests in p.m. Tea. Supper. Listened-in News. Phil all right, but not up. Alys and Dennis phoned 10 o’clock.
Monday 21st November 1938
Fine, then clouds then frost.
Blain took Kit to Arlington for Jubilee and brought Ozzy back from vets. Mr Clark here 11.30 and received tenants in Phil’s room to pay rents. He had lunch with me. Phil in bed all day. I to East Layton with Kit’s photos of Peter and to buy new issue of 4d and 7d stamps. In Phil’s room all evening. Model engines arrived.
Tuesday 22nd November 1938
Perfect day.
Phil down to breakfast in dressing-gown and got up afterwards. Opened electric motor for lathe. Out in garden. Pond emptied to get orfes and goldfish; Cooper caught 6 orfes, 21 goldfish, but all well, no fungus. Phil rested outdoors a.m. and up stairs p.m. and to bed after dinner and I up in bedroom. Listened-in “Under 20” and did crossword.
Wednesday 23rd November 1938
Rainy and some sun. Very cold.
Night telegram from Dennis – Phil negative. Phil up to breakfast, bath and shave before! He painted Mitch’s engine in sitting room and I painted him doing it. Out with Zeus. In p.m. Phil rested upstairs. I on sofa. Lathe arrived. Cooper and Brander carried it upstairs. Phil unpacked it. Got naval room cleared out, and swept. Phil to bed after dinner. I up there. Listened-in.
Thursday 24th November 1938
Perfect day. Cold.
Wrote Aunt Bella and Alys and Kitty. Phil up, and to fetch his car directly after breakfast and he and I to Richmond at 9.50. He had hair cut. I to shops. Phil rested outside by porch; and in p.m. in hut. After tea I sewed and listened-in to “Family Album”, Noel Coward and “Red Peppers”. Phil to bed after dinner and I in the bedroom. Zeus on mat in corner.
Friday 25th November 1938
Fine and very cold.
Rearranged bedrooms with Betty. Made Phil’s bed. I to Richmond alone, for cutlets. Took Zeus. Phil rested in hut. Got spanners at Spence’s. In garden and doing flowers all p.m. Read after tea. Cyril with Phil upstairs at 8. Phil and I in Armstrong to Darlington. Met Alys and Dennis by Jubilee. Alys quite well again.
Saturday 26th November 1938
Perfect. Very sunny.
Dennis and Phil in top room with Blain doing bench for lathe. Phil rested outdoors at 12.15. We sat outside. Alys and I to Richmond. Very fine. Again to Richmond (Alys and I) in p.m. (Coke delivery, bagged and took ages to get in). Dennis rested in p.m. Dogs away hunting for hours. All dressed for dinner. Listened-in Variety and news in evening.
Memo:
22nd Phil negative
Alys having wash-outs by Mrs MacGregor Simmonds.
Write Aunt Bella 24th
Tits very destructive, books indoors.
Sunday 27th November 1938
Dull. Cold.
Dennis and Phil in top room and Cyril. I about in wood and garden. Phil rested in hut. Dennis slept, upstairs in p.m. Alys and I in sitting-room. After tea, Alys and I composed letters to Coopers about work, salaries. Discussed at tea and supper, all of us. “Are you sure” after supper and news.
Monday 28th November 1938
Very cold. Sunny.
Breakfast 8.45. All in Armstrong to Darlington. Alys and Dennis away by Jubilee. Phil and I to Cox-Walker’s and King’s and to get plywood cut and wool for Phil’s sweater. He out in hut to rest. I read and sewed indoors. Began pullover for Phil – grey. Listened-in new people on wireless. Not hot water. Stove broken.
Tuesday 29th November 1938
Perfect. Cold.
Phil took Ozzy long walk. I out with Zeus and picked flowers. Wrote Alys. Picked white chrys and Blain doing bench for lathe upstairs. Up in in top-room breaking up frames with Kenneth Blain helping. Listened-in. Phil undressed in sitting-room and hot bath.
Wednesday 30th November 1938
Sun and showers. Cold.
Up in top-room cutting L.N.E.R. posters. Phil made paste. He rested outdoors. Showers and sun. In p.m. I pasted both posters on plywood. In garden too. After tea, Phil did dining-room electric light (3 branch). I watching him in top-room. Alys phoned me about letters to Cooper and warning Branders. Phil undressed downstairs. Phil negative.
Thursday 1st December 1938
Sun then rain.
Letters didn’t arrive (to Coopers and us). So Phil and I to Richmond in his car to fetch them. Snow on hills, floods everywhere; so went back and took bolts for Blain and then out in car to High Force; which looked magnificent. Very good lunch at Hotel there. Back 2.45. Phil in hut. I wrote Alys; Tea. Saw Mrs Cooper and at 5.30 interview with Hilda. In top room putting coat of size on posters Phil cut out brass plated. Brander carried wireless to Phil’s bedroom for boxing-match.
Friday 2nd December 1938
Perfect all day.
Serious talk to Mrs Cooper. Phil doing letters to Crossley Bros. I to Richmond with it, and found Brown, 22 The Green to type it. After lunch, in garden; wrote Alys and 2nd coat of size on posters. Phil in hut. After tea, Phil wrote about “M.E.” numbers and both of us upstairs. Phil cut brass hangers. Alys and Dennis phoned in evening. Phil answered.
Saturday 3rd December 1938
Perfect day.
Phil and I to Richmond at 10 or so. Got letters and Phil to Brown’s for Crossley letter. I varnished poster. In p.m. cut out American cloth cover for tray and then varnished 2nd poster. Phil rested outdoors in a.m. and until 3.30 (sunset). Then in hut. Listened-in, and Phil wrote to Isabel Henderson at Montana till 10.15.
Memo:
Grey wool 19 oz 94 Binn’s.
Sunday 4th December 1938
Foggy.
Phil and I a long walk over fields (crisp with frost) and both dogs. Fog came on. In top room and I wrote long letter to Alys. Phil rested in bedroom each rest. We managed to light a good coal fire in “Engineer shops” in evening. Cyril and Kenneth up. News and newspapers after sup13tper.
Monday 5th December 1938
Perfect.
Phil outdoors resting, and in p.m. until tea-time. Mild and sunny. Mrs Cooper asked Mrs Lever if her girl would come home. Brushed uniform (Easton). Hilda returned at 6 or so from weekend holiday.
Tuesday 6th December 1938
Dull. Drizzly.
Phil and I to Darlington in my car, as slightly rainy. He off by Jubilee. I to King’s and Knott’s. Poster paints. Home at 1. Mrs Cooper to Richmond about maid. I spoke to Mrs Lever. Listened-in and read papers.
Wednesday 7th December 1938
Dull. Dark.
All day in gunroom; mason doing grate in sitting-room. Drew scenery for top room and put size on walls there. Brander brought wireless to gunroom.
Thursday 8th December 1938
Dull and dark.
Mrs Cooper to Arlington to get a new maid. Out a walk with Zeus. In gunroom drawing and painting scenes for track. Did flowers a long time. Dinner 7.15. In my car to Darlington to meet Phil by Jubilee 8.48. He drove home, on way telling me all arranged about Cooper’s.
Friday 9th December 1938
Very cold. Fog. Dark early.
For walk round and to Carpenter’s shop with Phil. Then I to Richmond for tongue and ham. Phil in hut in a.m. and in bedroom in p.m. I read paper and Brander spoke to me – and after tea to Phil, at his request. Wrote Alys. In top room. Listened-in and Phil to bed 9.30 or so. Brander brought night things down.
Saturday 10th December 1938
Fine early, then fog.
(Betty a cold and in bed). Phil (after difficulty in starting his car) and I to Darlington to King’s. Straight back. He rested in hut. Darned socks. Interviewed “Elizabeth” the new (7/6) maid, who arrived. In top room cut up frames. Phil put brass fittings on the posters and we hung one up. Listened in variety and news.
Memo:
Phil to Chandler 7th?
Rent to December 8 weeks at 14/-
Sunday 11th December 1938
Dark, damp, foggy.
Made beds with Mrs Cooper. Out with Zeus. In top room. Phil and 2 boys too. Hung other poster. Dismantled bench (for Dennis’ bridge). In p.m. wrote Kit and C.B.D. In top room. Phil rested indoors all day. “Are you sure” in evening. Brander showed Phil his testimonial.
Monday 12th December 1938
Dull. Cool.
Letters from Alys made us worked about Dennis and Coopers. Phil’s blue-prints arrived. Phil and I to Richmond in his car. Took my shoes to Foster; got calendar (Phil) and Christmas cards. I had talk with Mrs Cooper about pantry – silver and later Cooper asked me about it. Cooper fetching holly. Phil talked to Barber. Phil wrote Alys. I wrote Dennis and Alys with Mrs Cooper’s letters. In top room. Sawed up frame.
Tuesday 13th December 1938
Dull. Mild.
Listened-in. Bath water cold. Phil breakfast in dressing gown. Began painting scenery for track, on paper and tunnel entrance. Phil and Blain doing lathe. Sent off Christmas cards to Steel’s and E. Bache and W.B.D. Crossword and newspaper. Listened-in to News and Mr Chamberlain speech in evening until 10.20.
Wednesday 14th December 1938
Dull, then perfect after 12.15.
Sent wire to Alys “Don’t buy shares till New Year” which meant “Don’t write to the Cooper’s about Notice”. Brought in wood. Out with both dogs. Phil rested out of doors 12.15 to 1.15 and again 2 – 4!!! Warm sun. I walked with Zeus to East Layton Post Office. Posted Phil’s calendar to Jean Embleton, British Columbia. After tea, rested on sofa. Wrote Alys in a.m. Phil in top room about lathe. “Band Waggon” in evening.
Thursday 15th December 1938
Thick cold white fog.
Phil breakfast in dressing-gown as water cold. Engine castings came. Phil out with dogs. We put papers in bee hives and candy. In top room. Painted 3 ply, grey. Wrote Eva with £5 cheque for Christmas for all 3. Phil rested in hut a.m. and in bedroom p.m. In top room after tea. Did blind director for Alys room window. Only News to listen-in to. To bed 9.50.
Friday 16th December 1938
Cool. Foggy. Damp.
Blank sheets from Alys! I in car to Richmond. Cards, crate of oranges, shoes from Foster’s. Mrs Cooper to Richmond by bus. Elizabeth strummed on their piano. Picked greenery in garden. Saw holly crosses, gardener’s (all 3) making. Knitted in evening, and News. Zeus 2 tails.
Saturday 17th December 1938
Sleet. Very cold. Grey.
No letter from Alys. Phil one from Betty Shore. Phil and I in his car to Darlington seeking and 2nd hand large vice; no success. I bought 3 Wensleydale cheeses ½ each Hinton’s. Sent off cards to Simes; 10/- to Mrs Harvey; 3/- book stamps Teeds. Listened-n poor variety, though George Doonan. Fire in gunroom.
Memo:
15th Rent £5.12.0 (8 weeks at 14/-) to February 2nd sent.
Sunday 18th December 1938
Very cold and cold east wind.
Phil rested in bedroom. Church at Layton. Out with dogs. In top room sorting scenery. Very cold and grey. Fire in smoking room and aired cushions from hut. Washed 2 covers. Did up cheeses for Lois and Ella and cards. After dinner, did up blue prints with Phil for East Kent. Strung peanuts on wire.
Monday 19th December 1938
Very cold. Snow at times. Some sun.
Phil and I in his car to Thornaby (Stockton) to see vice. Back by Darlington and Richmond to get Christmas cards and post cheeses. Home 12.55. Phil in hut, snowing. Phil took up croquet-hoops! He rested in bedroom nd I did up more more cards and calendars. Wrote Alys. In top room. Phil tested coal-fired engine. Sorted nails.
Tuesday 20th December 1938
Snow. Very cold.
Phil and I in his car to Richmond. Skidded right round in road. To Post Office and chemists and Bank. Back. Walked in garden and fields. Dogs went off hunting 11.35 till 3.15. Anxious, as snow very thick and deep. Mrs Lever walked 4 miles (Eppleby) and back. Sent off cards. In top room (not Cyril). Listened-in.
Wednesday 21st December 1938
Sun and snow.
Fed birds. Took photos of dogs, snow and then in Phil’s car to Richmond with films. Tried top way but no good. 2 men helped push car round. Phil put rope on wheel. Took Smith and pal up hill. Phil rested in hut in p.m. Alys phoned at 6 about roads. Snow. Listened-in and to Eden after 10 p.m. news.
Thursday 22nd December 1938
Snowed all day gently. Warmer.
Phil fed birds. 2 p.m. rang up A.A. Scotch Corner and wired Alys. I out shovelling snow and enquired about Blain. Painted quarry in little room. Mr Booth came and stayed tea. Up in top room after. Phil making tender. Phil’s hot bottle leaked so he rested in sitting room. Listened in evening.
Friday 23rd December 1938
Thawing. Some snow.
Blain in bed. Barber got engine going. In top room most of day with Phil. 2 telegrams from Alys and Dennis – Buckden and Retford. Cooper and Binks did holly decorating in p.m. I did flowers. At 9 p.m. Dennis and Alys arrived in Lincoln Zephyr after starting at 10 a.m. with chains on. Road much worse and icy in south. They had supper, and to bed. Opened cards 10.15 or so.
Saturday 24th December 1938
Thaw but snow still on ground.
Alys and drove into Richmond in Phil’s car (as mine wouldn’t start) in p.m. Dennis rested in p.m. All dressed in evening. Talked and papers.
Memo:
20th Evening 17 degrees of frost, Layton.
23rd Alys and Dennis arrive tea-time, by car.
Sunday 25th December 1938
(no weather)
No presents among ourselves. Took presents to Cooper’s. Alys and I to Blains with presents. Saw Blain in bed. In p.m. did screws. Dressed and dinner 7.40.
Monday 26th December 1938
Thawish. Fineish.
In garden with dogs and Dennis and Phil. Then Dennis gave Cooper notice!! Phil mended my Venetian blind. Dennis and Phil to see Barnare. Did oats. Alys and I in my car to Eppleby, called on Mrs Sever, on to Barningham. Alys saw Dr Thompson and heard Blain had fibroid pthisis. Got medicine. Listened-in news and Wolcott from U.S.A. about Foster, Suwannee River.
Tuesday 27th December 1938
Lovely day.
Dennis and Phil walked to call on Mr Brown at Dunsa Bank. Alys and I in my car ½ later. Barber started it. Called on Mrs and Miss Brown. All back in car by Kirby Ravensworth. Painted scenery on top room. John and Patience Heigham to tea and in top room.
Wednesday 28th December 1938
Cool.
Heard from Doz that Sylvia Brewtnall died. I did flowers and out. Phil in hut. Alys to see Mrs Barber about cooking; then Alys and I to Jackson’s, Hutton Magna and got a battery lent for my car while I had mine charged. I wrote letters. In quickly for Band Waggon but not very good.
Thursday 29th December 1938
Dull. Cooler.
Phone from Captain O’Sullivan saying got cold and not coming. Up in top room painting scenery and again in p.m. Alys and Phil in Lincoln Zephyr to Darlington, for Phil to have tooth done at Badcock’s. Alys and Dennis in p.m. to Corner’s for angle-iron and to Richmond (took Blain too). We all played “stak-a-stik” in evening and missed the 9 o’clock news.
Friday 30th December 1938
Very fine and cold.
Phil rested outdoors in a.m. Alys and I got Mitch’s caravan things to air. I painted scenery. Dennis felt sick all day. In p.m. Alys and I called on Mr and Miss Booth. Saw goats. Mr Brown to tea, and see lathe and got my car battery from Jackson’s, Hutton.
Saturday 31st December 1938
Fineish.
In to Richmond with Alys. Took Zeus. Betty in top room, told me of being starved and 2 girls horrid to them. Turkey and champagne for dinner. Dennis talked to Brander after tea. Alys and I fitted chair backs and arms till 7. Czecho-Slovakian material. We pinned them all.
Memo:
Church at Layton. Tell Betty.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 